IFP reports Mbeki to Amnesty International

The IFP wants its name cleared in the murder case of an ANC councillor

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has lodged a complaint with Amnesty International against President Thabo Mbeki, accusing him of denying presidential amnesty to 384 of its members.

The IFP says these people were all arrested for political reasons. It says some were denied amnesty by the Truth and Reconcilation Commission (TRC).

The party's chief whip Koos van der Merwe handed a written complaint against Mbeki and Justice Minister Bridgette Mabandla to a representative of Amnesty International in Pretoria.

The IFP has previously taken the issue to the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) and the High Court both ruling against Mbeki and Mabandla but Van der Merwe said they still failed to act.

"It has become clear to us that this is a vendetta against the IFP. He is victimising IFP prisoners for political purposes because they are not ANC members."

Van der Merwe said they were not claiming that the prisoners were entitled to a pardon, but that they at least have the right to have their requests considered. - Sapa