A Burundi judge has detained two journalists accused of broadcasting secret information concerning seven people suspected of plotting a coup, while investigations were pending. The suspected coup plotters, including former president Domitien Ndayizeye, were arrested in August after police said they had strong evidence the men planned to kill President Pierre Nkurunziza and seize power.
Domitile Kiramvu and Serge Nibizi, who work for private radio station African Public Radio (RPA), were arrested on Wednesday and transferred to a prison in the capital, after questioning by Judge Macumi Lievin. It was not clear how long they would remain in jail before facing formal charges in court. “I tried to explain to the judge that the journalists didn’t violate the law, because they repeated information given by another news outlet - but in vain,” said their lawyer, Francois Nyamoya.
Burundi’s government has come under pressure over its record on democracy and freedom of expression following a spate of arrests of activists and reporters since May.
(Source: Reuters)
