The European Parliament today adopted a resolution condemning the continuing deterioration of the human rights situation in Burundi in the run-up to the May 2020 elections. Parliamentarians have called for the release of Iwacu journalists. Tom Gibson of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) welcomes the resolution.
CPJ’s Tom Gibson: “Iwacu journalists must remember that they are not alone”
How did CPJ receive this emergency resolution on Burundi?
The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes today’s resolution by the European Parliament calling, among other things, for the release of IWACU journalists. This shows that there is real international support for press freedom in Burundi. The Burundian authorities must now release the journalists without further delay, and the EU institutions must continue to raise their voices until they are released.
How important is this resolution to our colleagues in prison?
They must remember that they are not alone and that the European Parliament stands in solidarity with them – and that international calls for their release continue. EU diplomats in Bujumbura must now play their part in continuing to take all possible measures to defend and support journalists.
How will CPJ continue its commitment to freedom of expression?
The Committee to Protect Journalists will continue to plead for the release of IWACU journalists. We must never stop our calls to re-establish the space for a free press in Burundi.
Interview by Antoine Kaburahe
IWACU Open Data
