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Free Etienne Ndikuyiro - Act now for press freedom in Burundi

rw | 21.06.2005 14:33 | Indymedia | Repression | Social Struggles | London | World

Burundian journalists are mobilising to secure the release of Etienne Ndikuyiro, who has been detained without charge after writing an article claiming that Burundi's President Ndayizeye was depressed after losing last week's communal elections.

Two international press freedom watchdogs on Tuesday renewed demands for the immediate release of a Burundian journalist arrested for allegedly insulting President Domitien Ndayizeye.

In separate letters to Ndayizeye, Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said journalist Etienne Ndikuriyo's continued detention violated Burundi's constitution.
(for more details on the case, see:  http://www.news24.com/News24/Africa/News/0,6119,2-11-1447_1724634,00.html)

As Burundi continues its transition to democracy, the independence and freedom of the media is absolutely vital - and any international support will be much welcomed.

Burundian journalists from the online news website www.abarundi.org have set up an online petition calling for Ndikuriyo's immediate, unconditional release.

To give your support to Burundi's independent journalists, follow this link:

 http://www.obsap.org/afrique/glp/burundi/petitions/ndikuriyo/petition_ndikuriyo.html

rw