During the public conference that was held in Gitega Province this December 26, Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza has said the four Iwacu reporters detained in Bubanza Province since October 22, have the right to look for lawyers to defend them.
President Pierre Nkurunziza: “The four Iwacu journalists have the right to defend themselves and shed light on the charges brought against them”
“There are reasons behind their arrest. Juridical officials are there to listen to them. They have the right to defend themselves and shed light on the charges brought against them”, said President Nkurunziza adding that he cannot interfere in an ongoing trail.
“The president intervenes only when there is no more possibility of making any appeal. I urge juridical officials to do whatever it takes so that their trial should be ended very soon. If they agree with the verdict, it will be good. Otherwise, they will make an appeal”, said President Pierre Nkurunziza.
Agnès Ndirubusa, Christine Kamikazi, Egide Harerimana and Térence Mpozenzi were arrested on Tuesday October 22nd, in Musigati Commune of Bubanza western Province when they were trying to get information on heavy gunfire that was heard at the dawn of October 22. They are accused of complicity in undermining the internal state security”.
IWACU Open Data
