In a video that went viral on social media this Saturday April 28, Melchiade Nzopfabarushe, a Belgian-Burundian lawyer and member of the ruling party CNDD-FDD, has said those who will oppose the upcoming constitutional referendum will end up in Tanganyika Lake.
Melchiade Nzopfabarushe, accused of using hate language
Mr. Nzopfabarushe frightens whoever will dare oppose the government’s determination to amend the constitution saying they will be killed and thrown into Lake Tanganyika.
After the video became widespread on social media, different authorities condemned his speech saying it incites hatred.
The Secretary General of the ruling party appealed to the Justice to investigate the case. “@CnddFdd was surprised to hear hate words attributed to Melchiade Nzopfabarushe, the remarks that may disrupt Burundians’ unity and cohesion.
The party appeals to all its members for political tolerance and asks the justice to do its job,” reads a tweet by Evariste Ndayishimiye, CNDD-FDD party Secretary General.
The Burundian Ombudsman also condemned the hateful words used by a member of CNDD-FDD party. “The words he used stir up hatred and go against the party’s ideology on the eve of the 2018 constitutional referendum” reads a tweet by Edouard Nduwimana, Burundian Ombudsman.
This Sunday 29 April, Melchiade Nzopfabarushe was auditioned by the public prosecutor and the case continues this Monday April 30.
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