Burundi

2015

  

CPJ calls on Democratic Republic of Congo to not extradite Burundian journalist

New York, December 31, 2015­–The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo not to extradite Egide Mwemero, an exiled Burundian radio journalist who has been in custody since October 13, according to reports. Bob Rugurika, director of independent Burundian station Radio Publique Africaine where Mwemero also worked, told CPJ…

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Radio journalist arrested and held without charge in Burundi

New York, November 9, 2015–The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Burundian authorities to release radio journalist Blaise Célestin Ndihokubwayo, who was arrested Friday, according to reports.

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Burundian journalist arrested in Democratic Republic of Congo

New York, October 19, 2015–The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the detention of Egide Mwemero, a Burundian journalist who, according to the managing director of his radio station and local reports, was arrested in Uvira in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on October 13.

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Balancing Act

EU as a global actor On World Press Freedom Day (May 3), the highest EU officials line up to deliver their message of support for a free press. But press freedom and human rights activists who spoke with CPJ said that when it comes to meaningful diplomacy in repressive countries that are important trade partners…

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A Bujumbura road is blocked during unrest over elections in Burundi in July. Many Burundians, including journalists, have gone into exile to flee the violence. (Reuters/Mike Hutchings)

Silence in Burundi as violence forces independent press into exile

On June 24, a grenade was thrown through the window of Voice of America correspondent Diane Nininahazwe’s home. It was one of three cases CPJ has documented in recent months where grenades were thrown into the homes of journalists in Burundi’s capital, Bujumbura. Fortunately, there have been no fatalities, but there have also been no…

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The body of a man killed overnight lies on a street as polls open for the presidential elections in Bujumbura, Burundi, Tuesday, July 21, 2015. (AP/Jerome Delay)

Burundi must investigate attacks on journalists

The Committee to Protect Journalists and 18 other organizations are urging Burundi authorities to investigate attacks on journalists and human rights defenders. Since the April announcement that President Pierre Nkurunziza would run for a third term, defying constitutional limitations and sparking months of protests, journalists have been routinely targeted. At least five radio stations were…

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Esdras Ndikumana was detained and beaten for two hours after he photographed a scene at which a government official was killed. (AFP)

Burundi security agents attack journalist covering murder of top general

Nairobi, August 3, 2015–Burundi security forces detained and beat a journalist on Sunday while he was covering the assassination of a top general in the capital, Bujumbura, according to news reports and the journalist. The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the attack and calls on Burundian authorities to launch a full and efficient investigation.

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Burundi reporter says grenade thrown at home

New York, June 25, 2015 – The Committee to Protect Journalists is concerned about growing violence against journalists in Burundi and calls on the authorities to investigate all attacks and protect media workers.  

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Rwandan journalist arrested in Burundi, charged with spying

New York, June 12, 2015–A Rwandan journalist who was arrested in Burundi on Monday has been charged with espionage, according to news reports. The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Burundian authorities to release the journalist and drop the charge immediately.

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The damaged offices of African Public Radio, one of at least five Burundian stations attacked during violence over an attempted coup. (AFP/Jennifer Huxta)

Amid violence in Burundi, radio stations attacked

New York May 15, 2015–The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns a series of attacks on Burundian news outlets and calls on all sides in the unrest to refrain from attacking or threatening journalists. In recent days, at least five radio stations were attacked during violence over an attempted coup in the capital, Bujumbura, and threats…

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2015