Gitega: Burundian justice frees five alleged homosexuals out of 24 in detention

Their release took place on Monday March 20, confirmed one of the lawyers assisting the group. The five former detainees are part of a group of 24 suspected homosexuals who were arrested last February. They were detained in the central prison of Gitega (political capital). INFO SOS Médias Burundi

Two men and three women received a provisional release on Monday, a police source told SOS Médias Burundi.

“It was the public prosecutor’s office in Gitega province that released them on Monday afternoon,” one of the lawyers assisting the group told SOS Médias. The 19 other members of the team were heard this Tuesday afternoon at Gitega prison in the council chamber. They are prosecuted for “Incitement to debauchery”.

Relatives are requesting their release based on the fact that no medical expertise was conducted.

The 24 presumed homosexuals were arrested on February 22 as they were following a training in the town of Gitega before being sent to the provincial prison on March 6.