Vienna — The following is a letter from the International Press Institute to President H.E. Blaise Compaore concerning the death of journalist Norbert Zongo:

H.E. Blaise Compaore

President of the Republic of Burkina Faso

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Vienna, 17 December 1998

Your Excellency,

The International Press Institute (IPI), the global network of media executives, is deeply shocked by the death of Norbert Zongo, editor-in-chief of the weekly L'Independent, on 13 December 1998.

Zongo was found dead in his vehicle on the road between Sapouy and Ouagadougou. Also found dead were Zongo's brother and chauffeur, as well as a fourth unidentified person. We understand that the four bodies were charred, while the outside of the vehicle was not burnt. We also understand that the rear door of the car was pierced with holes, which may have been produced by bullets.

Zongo, who was also the president of the Association of Independent Newspapers (SEP), had received death threats in the past and had recently published articles critical of the authorities.

Given the circumstances surrounding his death, IPI suspects that Zongo and the others were murdered. We therefore urge Your Excellency to authorise an immediate and thorough investigation into Zongo's killing and to ensure that those responsible for this crime are brought to justice.

We thank you for your attention.

Yours sincerely,

Johann P. Fritz Director

Distributed by The International Freedom Of Expression Exchange Clearing House, 489 College St. Suite 403, Toronto, Ontario M6G 1A5 CANADA, tel: +1 416 515 9622, fax: +1 416 515 7879, e-mail: ifex@ifex.org, Internet site: http://www.ifex.org/.