CPJ urges Burundi president to release 4 imprisoned journalists

An independent non-governmental organization that champions press freedom around the world, Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged President of the Republic of Burundi, Évariste Ndayishimiye to release the four imprisoned Iwacu media group journalists who were arrested in October 2019 while covering clashes in Bubanza and to lift bans on broadcasting outlets.

The four Iwacu journalists, Christine Kamikazi, Agnès Ndirubusa, Egide Harerimana, and Térence Mpozenzi, were in January sentenced to 2.5 years in prison and in June their appeal was rejected.

The Committee in a letter to the President signed by the Executive Director, Joel Simon urged him to carry out credible investigations into attacks on journalists, and end the use of internet disruptions to control the flow of information.

He said: “These journalists were simply trying to fulfill their duty to keep Burundians informed. The injustice they have endured is compounded by the increased health risk they face behind bars amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a concern shared by the World Health Organization. We ask that they be freed immediately and unconditionally.”

Simon noted that another Iwacu journalist, Jean Bigirimana went missing in Bujumbura on July 22, 2016, saying, shortly before his disappearance, Bigirimana received a call from an intelligence source, according to CPJ research.

“Bigirimana’s colleagues and family have waited nearly four years for answers. We urge your government to take a strong stand against impunity in attacks on the press and to launch a credible and impartial investigation into Bigirimana’s disappearance,” he added

While noting that the plurality of news sources available to Burundians has eroded in recent years, he said amid unrest in May 2015, CPJ documented attacks on five broadcasting outlets.

“Three of these, Bonesha FM, Radio Publique Africaine, and Renaissance Radio and Television – have been unable to resume operations in Burundi. Since 2018 the British Broadcasting Corporation and the Voice of America have been banned from operating. The government should immediately lift bans on media outlets and guarantee that they can operate freely, without fearing reprisal,” he said.

The Committee also reminded the President of his pledge to promote human rights, respect freedom of opinion and guarantee during his inauguration, saying,  “We believe that your administration could make quick and significant gains in these commitments by breaking with Burundi’s history of media repression and nurturing an environment where journalists can operate freely and safely.”

The committee said over 100 Burundian journalists are in exile and Burundian Union of Journalists suspended since 2015.

“To ensure journalists feel safe to return, we call on the government to lift the suspension of the union and to discontinue ongoing criminal cases against exiled journalists,” the committee said.