Crowds celebrate journo ’ s release
BUJUMBURA – Thousands marched through Burundi ’ s capital in one of the largest demonstrations in recent years after the release of a popular journalist and government critic from jail, months ahead of key elections.
Vast crowds singing and dancing filled the streets of Bujumbura a day after Bob Rugurika, director of the popular independent African Public Radio (RPA), was released from prison on bail.
There was no official figure for how many took to the streets, but residents said the mass rally of tens of thousands was the largest they could remember.
The arrest of Rugurika for “complicity ” in the murder of three Italian nuns sparked protests by civil rights activists and fellow journalists, who have accused the government of doing all it can to sideline political challengers ahead of elections in May and June.
The radio is seen as close to the political opposition, and often interviews those who say they are victims of injustice or discrimination.
“I have no words to thank the Burundian population,” Rugurika said in radio broadcast, after entering the capital followed by supporters crammed into dozens of cars and hundreds on motorbikes.
The interior ministry had initially banned demonstrations but the huge crowds took police by surprise, and they pulled back to leave marchers to continue peacefully.
Rugurika was arrested on Jan- uary 21 after broadcasting the purported confession of a man claiming he was one of the killers.
A court on Wednesday granted him bail of 15 million Burundi francs (R110 000), but his lawyer said there was a need for a proper investigation into the “real murderers of the three nuns ”.
For broadcasting the alleged confession, Rugurika was charged with complicity in the murders, “breach of public solidarity ” and disclosing confidential information regarding a case.
The supposed confession contradicted a police account of the crime and implicated the security services.
He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. –