ELEVEN youth who were arrested during an unlawful procession in November will know their fate on March 3, 2021 when the trial against them commences.

The young picketers who included four females and seven males aged between 22 and 29 were arrested on November 6 at the national assembly where they had gone to hand over their petition.

The youth who among others demanded their rights to economic inclusion were arrested for allegedly disregarding lockdown protocols during the march.

They wanted the government to declare the high unemployment in Lesotho as a disaster in harmony with the disaster Management Authority (DMA) Act of 1997, arguing that nepotism is the biggest issue that hampers the creation of jobs and accessibility for all.

They say it is difficult to find a job in this country and that privilege is given to those within certain political circles.

The protesting youth under their #Bachashutdown movement, also wanted to petition the government on the lack of a national youth policy and gender-based violence related issues.

The protesters were later dispersed by heavily armed police who fired several warning shots into the air.

After their arrest, the Minister of Police and Public Safety ’Mamoipone Senauoane accused them of being chaotic and causing instability.

She said: “The law demands that protesters should apply and obtain permission prior to their picketing and the detainees did not do that.  This country is ruled by laws that have to be respected by all. We appeal to the general public to abstain from such unlawful acts.”

Member of Parliament for Alliance of Democrats (AD) Thuso Litjobo and Radio 357 presenter, Relebohile Moyeye, were also arrested during the same procession for allegedly violating COVID-19 protocols, by not wearing facial masks.

Mr Litjobo and Mr Moyeye were arrested at the gates of the national assembly where the picketing youth had taken their petition.