SG calls on Burundi to observe due process regarding detained human rights activist - spokesperson

2 Jun 2014

SG calls on Burundi to observe due process regarding detained human rights activist - spokesperson

30 May 2014 – The United Nations Secretary-General is concerned about the case of Burundian human rights activist Pierre Claver Mbonimpa and calls on Burundian authorities to observe the right to due process, his spokesperson said on Friday.

"There have been questions regarding Burundi concerning the case of Pierre Claver Mbonimpa, and can say that we are concerned about his case. As you know, Mr. Mbonimpa is a prominent human rights activist in Burundi, who is currently in pre-trial detention for allegations he made on a Burundian radio station. We have no information to substantiate the claims made by Mr. Mbonimpa", Stephane Dujarric said. "We call on Burundian authorities to observe the right to due process in accordance with the international human rights standards that Burundi has committed to uphold."

Pierre Claver Mbonimpa, president of the human rights organization APRODH, was arrested two weeks ago on the charges of inciting public disobedience.

In his briefing to the media at headquarters, the Secretary-General's spokesperson also stressed that the United Nations "continue to follow closely the political situation in Burundi." "We are indeed concerned over the continued restrictions on civil liberties for members of opposition political parties and for media and civil society organizations, especially in the run-up to the 2015 elections."