Expression
CSOs express concern over key Bills
On 24th September 2024, MISA Lesotho raised concerns, noting that the country still lacks an Access to Information (ATI) law, despite efforts dating back to 2000. A new ATI Bill was introduced in 2021 as part of national reforms, but has not been passed. Instead of prioritising this bill, the government reintroduced the Computer Crime and Cybersecurity Bill—first drafted in 2021—which includes provisions that may limit access to information. While the government argues that the Bill is essential for protecting citizens and digital infrastructure, it has faced criticism from media and civil society groups who argue that the Bill includes provisions that criminalise the work of journalists and whistleblowers, freedom of expression, impose harsh penalties, and could enable government surveillance and intimidation.
MISA Lesotho has actively opposed the Bill, arguing that it risks joining a legacy of outdated and repressive laws such as the Official Secrets Act of 1967 and the Internal Security Act of 1984 that continue to restrict media freedom. The National Assembly previously dismissed the Bill in 2021 due to procedural concerns and the exclusion of key stakeholders, but it resurfaced in 2024 with few changes.
In response, on 10th October 2024, the Hon. Ms Nthati Moorosi, Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, defended both the Access to Information Bill and the Computer Crime and Cybersecurity Bill as essential for democracy—stating that the Access to Information Bill ensures transparency, while the Computer Crime and Cybersecurity Bill protects against digital threats like cybercrime and online abuse. She stressed that the cybersecurity law is intended to safeguard rights and national security, not suppress freedoms, and assured that stakeholder consultations were conducted. The ATI Bill, she confirmed, remains a national reform priority under the National Reforms Transition Office.
Association
Suspected hate crime sparks outrage over LGBTQ safety and legal gaps in Lesotho
On 27th April 2025, Kabelo Seseli, a gay crossdresser and LGBTQ activist in Lesotho was brutally stabbed three times by his partner Katlego Mosiuoa in a suspected homophobic attack. His body was discovered with stab wounds to the neck and genitals. Mosiuoa alleges he was deceived by Seseli's gender, but family members dispute this, claiming Mosiuoa was aware of Seseli's gay identity.
LGBTQ rights organisation, the People’s Matrix Association, condemned the killing as a hate crime and called on the government for justice and protection.
Although Lesotho decriminalised same-sex relations in 2012, discrimination and hate crimes persist. The International Commission of Jurists and Outright International have been engaging with the Lesotho judiciary to promote LGBTQ rights. While the judiciary has shown some willingness to engage, there remains a lack of legal precedent for LGBTQ protections. Activists continue to push for recognition, legal reform and an end to violence and discrimination against LGBTQ individuals in the country.