SONA 2023: EFF condemns ‘barbaric behaviour’ in Parliament

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have condemned the behaviour in Parliament at tonight’s State of the Nation address, calling it an act of pure violence and barbaric behavior.

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EFF condemns behaviour in Parliament

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) condemned behavior in Parliament this evening, where members of the Police, the Presidential Protection Unit, and individuals dressed in military fatigue allegedly violently attacked members of Parliament.

The EFF stated that these people, assumed to be a mixture of law enforcement agencies, entered the Assembly chambers without instruction from the speaker of the National Assembly.

This was also pointed out by the leader of the Democratic Alliance, John Steenhuisen.

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EFF claims violence as retaliation to a peaceful protest

The EFF accused the members of using violence against members of Parliament to prevent a peaceful protest.

The party displayed placards to voice their concerns about what they deemed the actual state of the nation.

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“The scenes in Parliament today, are reflective of the kind of Presidency Ramaphosa leads. It is one of the suppression of democratic debate, abuse of state organs and law enforcement agencies to undermine accountability and unrepentant violence.” the statement read.

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Members of the media violently pushed

The EFF accused the members of violently pushing and restricting members of the media from exercising their right to media freedom, in order to hide the violent scenes and abuse of members.

The party described this abuse of the media as undermining media freedom and restricting movement.

“Only governments that commit torture and human rights atrocities restrict access to the media during political confrontations and disputes.” the statement read.

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EFF to take speaker to court

The EFF announced its intention to take the Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, to court.

The party accused her of violating the rights of Members of Parliament and treating them as a group instead of individuals with the right to speak according to the rules.

The EFF claimed that the votes of their constituents have been disrespected and trampled upon.

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