Briefing Notes: Burundi

Briefing Notes: Burundi

We are deeply concerned about the series of measures taken this week by Burundian authorities to seriously curtail the exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful expression and assembly.

The reported use of live ammunition by intelligence and security forces during protests is particularly alarming and we urge the authorities to ensure that international standards, including the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, are fully respected.

Hundreds of people have also been detained since the demonstrations began last Sunday (26 April). According to one credible report, over 400 individuals are being held in extremely overcrowded conditions, with detainees having to sleep standing up. Detainees have also been beaten, particularly on their feet and buttocks, with some of those released having trouble walking due to the beating.

With the electoral campaign due to officially begin in just nine days, we call on the authorities to ensure the space necessary for the conduct of free and fair elections. Restricting independent coverage by closing radio stations, curbing live coverage of protests and curbing the use of social media will not succeed in quashing dissent. Freedom of expression and the right to information must be protected.

As the High Commissioner stressed during his visit to the country two weeks ago, “Criticism is a vital element of democracy, not a threat that must be crushed. The right to freedom of expression and opinion is enshrined in international treaties ratified by Burundi, and the Government is obliged to uphold those treaties.”

ENDS

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