Rep. Karen Bass (CA-37), chair of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, issued the following statement regarding the detainment of journalists in Burundi:
“I am troubled by the recent news of four journalists and a civilian being detained by Burundi authorities this week. The journalists were detained while trying to do their job and bring important information to the citizens of Burundi. Many journalists have remained in Burundi to ensure that the world is aware of the human rights atrocities in the country.
“The country’s elections are coming up next year, and it is important to the political process that the government not harass, detain, or suppress the media. Iwacu is one of the last independent newspapers in Burundi and it is critical that the government of Burundi have a free press. An attack on journalists is an attack on human rights.
“I call for the immediate release of journalists Agnes Ndirubusa, Christine Kamikazi, Egide Harerimana, Terence Mpozenzi and their driver Adolphe Masabarakiza.”
