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Alert

Prosecutor questions journalists on sources in aborted coup case

(JED/IFEX) - On 28 November 2006, Bob Rugurika and Christelle Ruvari, journalists with the Bujumbura-based, privately-owned radio station Radio publique africaine (RPA), were questioned by the Bujumbura Prosecutor's Office.

Although originally summoned to appear before the court on 24 November, the two journalists were only heard on 28 November. The summons stems from a 20 November RPA broadcast alleging that Attorney General Jean Bosco Ndikumana was in possession of evidence linking former president Domitien Ndayizeye to the failed coup attempt of last August. Judicial proceedings against those accused in the coup began on 24 November.

During questioning, the journalists were asked about the source of their information. They evoked Article 8 of Burundi's press law, which defends journalists' right to source confidentiality. They also stressed that the information in question was qualified in the broadcast as a possibility only and not a statement of fact.

At the end of the hearing, the prosecutor requested that the journalists remain available for further questioning, noting that they could be summoned at any time if further information was needed.

Two other RPA journalists, Serges Nibizi and Domitile Kiramvu, are being held in pre-trial custody at the Mpinmba Central Prison in Bujumbura. The journalists are accused of violating judicial secrecy in relation to the aborted coup trial. They have been in custody since 22 November.