Kirundo : alarming overcrowding in the prosecution cell

The Kirundo prosecution cell is on the verge of implosion. Crowded detainees, unsanitary conditions and abuse of power are denounced by several sources. Faced with this crisis, prisoners are calling for urgent intervention from the authorities and human rights defenders. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

The Kirundo prosecution cell in northern Burundi is facing critical overcrowding, aggravated by arbitrary incarcerations denounced by several detainees. The latter accuse the public prosecutor, Jean Claude Ndemeye, and his deputies of demanding bribes in exchange for their release.

Faced with this situation, the detainees are calling for urgent intervention by the National Independent Human Rights Commission (CNIDH) in order to assess the extent of the crisis and propose appropriate solutions.

A cramped and unsanitary space

The cell is divided into two cramped cells, one of which, approximately 4 m², hosts the majority of the detainees. There are often more than twenty of them living there in precarious conditions.

“There were 22 of us last week. Every day, new people are incarcerated, even for minor offences”, says one of the detainees.

Many remain in detention without appearing in court, as their legal detention period is frequently exceeded. After their conviction, some should be transferred to the central prison of Ngozi (neighbouring province), but they sometimes remain in the cell for more than two weeks due to lack of transport.

A deputy prosecutor mentioned the lack of logistical resources : “We only have one vehicle for the prosecutor and another for the president of the First Instance Court. These vehicles are already mobilized for other missions. In addition, we are facing a fuel shortage.”

Inhumane living conditions

Overcrowding urges inmates to sleep in turns. “Some prefer to sleep during the day, because at night, the heat becomes unbearable and mosquitoes are omnipresent,” says another inmate.

Sanitary conditions are deplorable. Access to water is insufficient, leading to the appearance of skin diseases. Access to medical care is also very limited.

“Patients do not receive the necessary care, unless their condition becomes critical,” regret several prisoners. Some are only taken to hospital at an advanced stage of their illness, which can lead to death.

An urgent appeal to the authorities and human rights organizations

Faced with this alarming situation, the detainees are requesting urgent intervention from the CNIDH and other organizations working for prisoners’ rights. They hope to obtain an improvement in their detention conditions and more humane treatment of their situation.