20100907
africanews

Police in Swaziland have arrested about 50 people ahead of protests against sub-Saharan Africa's last absolute monarchy, activists say.

The US-funded pro-democracy group, the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA), says two of its members were among those detained.

Police say the arrests were made to determine whether any foreigners were involved in the planned protests.

King Mswati III is accused of living in luxury while most Swazis are poor.

The king is also criticised for having 13 wives in a country with one of the world's highest rates of HIV infection - 26% of those aged 15-49.

"It is time that the world understood what kind of regime runs Swaziland. It is a regime that has no respect for human rights, no respect for the rule of law and no respect for democracy," said OSISA head Sisonke Msimang.

Police spokeswoman Wendy Hleta said all those arrested were later freed, reports the AP news agency.