Burundi

Burundi witnessed persistent human rights violations in the reporting period. Fundamental freedoms, including freedom of opinion and expression, association and peaceful assembly continue to be curtailed. While the government has introduced reforms to abolish prison sentences for journalists facing ethics complaints, concerns persisted regarding the release of incarcerated journalists.

For instance, journalist Floriane Irangabiye remains in detention on a 10-year prison sentence in bad conditions. Furthermore, the United Nations Committee Against Torture expressed serious concerns about widespread allegations of torture, mainly perpetrated by state agents and Imbonerakure militia members, a youth wing of the ruling Defense of Democracy–Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD).

The information is based on our latest bi-annual report that can be found under our reports.