The Helen Suzman Foundation Makes Submissions on the International Law Implications of Former President Jacob Zuma’s Imprisonment for Contempt of Court

In the course of deliberating on Jacob Zuma’s application to rescind its order that imprisoned him for 15 months for contempt of court, the Constitutional Court issued directions seeking submissions on various aspects of international law. In particular, the Court sought submissions on the following questions:

1. Whether, in light of section 39(1) of the Constitution, the Court is obliged to consider the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) when construing sections 12(1)(b) and 35(3) of the Constitution; and
2. If it is so obliged, what implications do articles 9 and 14(5) of the ICCPR together with decisions of the Human Rights Committee have on Mr Zuma’s detention?

The Helen Suzman Foundation (HSF) has duly made its submission, stating unequivocally that even with the guidance of international law, the original decision to imprison Mr Zuma for contempt of court was patently lawful.

The HSF’s further submission can be found here.

Media Enquiries

Chelsea Ramsden
chelsea@hsf.org.za
083 387 4979

Christopher Fisher
christopher@hsf.org.za
072 116 0796

Anton van Dalsen
anton@hsf.org.za
082 888 0500

Francis Antonie
francis@hsf.org.za
083 408 7943