The Ntahangwa Court of Appeal has rejected on 5 June the appeal made by Iwacu Press Group against the judgment rendered on 30 January by Bubanza Hight Court regarding the detention of four Iwacu press Group journalists.
Four journalists of Iwacu press group, detained in Bubanza prison
Agnès Ndirubusa, Christine Kamikazi, Térence Mpozenzi and Egide Harerimana were previously sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in jail with a fine of BIF 1 million each.
On 21 February, the lawyers of the four journalists had appealed against the judgment rendered on 30 January by the Bubanza High Court.
The four Iwacu journalists were arrested on 22 October, 2019 when they were in Musigati commune in Bubanza western province to report on clashes that had erupted between security forces and armed people.
In a press release issued on 5 June, Iwacu Press Group expressed disappointment. “Our colleagues are innocent of the charges brought against them. Iwacu will continue to demand justice and appeal to the Supreme Court, “reads the press release.
According to the same press release, Iwacu has been working legally and in compliance with the rules and professional ethics for the past 12 years.
“We will never abandon our colleagues who are victims of their work. We continue to believe that they will be released and that press freedom guaranteed by the Constitution of Burundi will ultimately be respected,” concludes the press release.
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