Swazi ruler rounds up dissenters

King Mswati III, the young and notoriously extravagant ruler of Swaziland, has outraged critics in his impoverished country by arresting and jailing dozens of political activists.

His Government claims the latest clampdown is linked to a spate of petrol bombings during protests last year against the Swazi dictatorship. But critics said it was aimed at crushing dissent in Africa's last absolute monarchy.

More than 20 opponents of the king were rounded up this week and charged with high treason. If found guilty, they will receive a mandatory death sentence.