Bujumbura: Isanganiro and Bonesha Fm broadcasters forbidden to cover the trial of journalist Kenny Claude Nduwimana
The two local independent radio stations’ reporters were informed that they had not made any prior request.
INFO SOS Médias Burundi
The trial took place at the Mukaza high court in the Burundi’s commercial city, Bujumbura on Tuesday. It was a public hearing. In public hearings, media accredited in Burundi usually don’t have to seek authorization in advance. But it is up to a judge or a police or intelligence officer to let journalists take images or not.
On July 16, reporters from local radio stations Isanganiro and Bonesha Fm were informed that they were prohibited from covering the event. They were forced to “leave the courtroom” to wait until the end of the session in order to speak to the lawyers.
For more than 3 hours since 12:40 p.m., the judges listened to the complainant and the defendant, according to a witness who attended the session. They had sufficient time to explain themselves. The public prosecutor requested a prison sentence of 5 years against Kenny Claude Nduwimana and a fine of one million Burundian francs. The decision will be made within a period not exceeding one month, the Mukaza court announced.
Kenny Claude Nduwimana, his relatives and his lawyers continue to “denounce unjust and illegal detention” while demanding his immediate release.
The Burundian authorities have increased measures to limit the rights of journalists in recent times, including the requirement for authorization from administrative officials before speaking to residents, despite the declarations of President Neva who believes that “The media helps educate the population for a prosperous Burundi.”
Representatives of local human rights organizations and organizations of media professionals as well as opponents say they “fear an increase in abuses against journalists on the eve of the 2025 legislative elections.”
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The logos of local radio stations Isanganiro and Bonesha Fm established in Bujumbura, the commercial city
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