Rutana: an influential CNDD-FDD activist sentenced to one year in prison

Nestor Butisi Nibigira, a shopkeeper and influential CNDD-FDD activist in the commune of Giharo received a one-year prison sentence and pay a fine of 2.5 million Burundian francs. The decision fell this Wednesday afternoon after a hearing held the morning of the same day at the court of Rutana (south-eastern Burundi). INFO SOS Médias Burundi

The convict had appeared before the council chamber of the Rutana High Court on Monday, which decided to keep him in detention.

“His trial was quickly organized compared to other detainees,” said a source at the Rutana High Court.

In just two days, he appeared before the council chamber and in open court. In both cases, the decisions fell on the same day.

“CNDD-FDD officials influenced the judges, they gave them an order,” said a source familiar with the matter.

Nestor Butisi Nibigira was arrested by the police during a search on October 24. 35 bags of chemical fertilizers, 17 bags of sugar and 9 cans of prohibited drinks were seized from his store at his home.

The ruling party’s activist has a reputation in his commune of Giharo for participating in the arbitrary arrests of opposition members, especially those of the CNL party.

The charges against him were diversion and illicit sale of chemical fertilizers.