*Amnesty International says the reported abduction and assault of journalist Kananelo Boloetse demands an urgent, independent investigation by Lesotho’s authorities.*
Responding to reports that journalist and human rights defender Kananelo Boloetse was abducted on September 5 from his home in Maseru, interrogated about his work, assaulted and threatened with death, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Vongai Chikwanda, said the case raises serious concerns for the safety of journalists and human rights defenders in Lesotho.
Amnesty demands action on Kananelo Boloetse abduction
“The reported abduction and brutal assault of Kananelo Boloetse is deeply alarming and raises serious concerns for the safety of journalists and human rights defenders in Lesotho.”
“The Lesotho authorities must urgently take all necessary measures to guarantee Kananelo Boloetse’s safety and protect him from further threats, intimidation or reprisals. They must also conduct a prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigation into his abduction, assault and the threats against his life. Any suspect must be brought to justice in fair proceedings.”
The reported abduction and brutal assault of Kananelo Boloetse is deeply alarming and raises serious concerns for the safety of journalists and human rights defenders in Lesotho.
“Journalists and human rights defenders must be able to carry out their work freely and safely. Violence, threats or intimidation against those exercising their right to freedom of expression should never be tolerated and must not go unpunished.”
What happened, according to Newsday Media
According to Newsday Media, Boloetse was abducted from his home in Katlehong, Maseru, on September 5, 2026 by three unidentified men. The organization said he was interrogated about his journalism and human rights work, assaulted, and later abandoned in Thaba-Bosiu, approximately 20–25 km east of Maseru.
Newsday Media has also reported that Boloetse’s home was under surveillance before the attack.
Media
