The undersigned press freedom, media development and human rights organizations denounce the continued attacks on and threats to journalists, media workers and human rights defenders, most recently the serious incidents in which human rights defender Pierre Claver Mbonimpa survived an attempt on his life while journalist Esdras Ndikumana was the victim of a brutal attack by police and intelligence officials.
Furthermore, we are very concerned by the continued closure of independent media outlets and the consequent lack of access to reliable information in Burundi. This is particularly concerning given the continuing deterioration of the country's security situation - a time when all Burundians should have access to accurate and balanced information rather than relying on rumours.
We call on the Burundian authorities to investigate these attacks immediately and to ensure that those responsible are found and brought to justice in a fair trial. Furthermore, we call on the authorities to allow for the re-opening and functioning of independent media and allow them to operate from the Maison de la Presse or from wherever they choose. This is particularly imperative given that several major radio stations have been destroyed. We also encourage the authorities to allow for the rebuilding and re-equipping of these media houses.
In addition, we encourage the authorities to ensure that the more than 50 journalists and media workers who have sought refuge in neighboring countries are allowed to return safely to Burundi and resume their work in the country without fear of prosecution or persecution.
Finally, we encourage dialogue between the authorities and media, between the authorities and opposition parties and between authorities and United Nations and African Union representatives to create conditions conducive to building an environment of peace for all Burundians.
Signed:
Henry Maina, Regional Director, Eastern Africa, ARTICLE 19
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Tom Henheffer, Executive Director, Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE)
Toby Mendel, Executive Director, Center for Law and Democracy
Courtney Radsch, Advocacy Director, Committee to Protect Journalists
Caroline Vuillemin, Director of Operations, Fondation Hirondelle
Ruth Kronenburg, Director, Free Press Unlimited
Daniel Calingaert, Executive Vice President, Freedom House
Daniel Bekele, Africa Director, Human Rights Watch
Melody Patry, Senior Advocacy Officer, Index on Censorship
Ernest Sagaga, Head, Human Rights and Safety, International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)
Jesper Højberg, Executive Director, International Media Support (IMS)
Barbara Trionfi, Executive Director, International Press Insitute (IPI)
Elisa Lees Munoz, Executive Director, International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF)
Karin Deutsch Karlekar, Director, Free Expression Programs, PEN American Center
Tamsin Mitchell, Africa Researcher and Campaigner, PEN International
Cléa Kahn-Sriber, Head of Africa Desk, Reporters sans Frontières
Tina Carr, Director, Rory Peck Trust
Ronald Koven, Acting Director, World Press Freedom Committee
