18/09/2014 (Agence Europe) - EP calls for release of Burundi human rights activist. On Thursday, 18 September, the European Parliament called for the “immediate and unconditional” release of Burundi human rights activist Pierre-Claver Mbonimpa, who has been in prison since May for acts prejudicial to state security and who is now seriously ill. For many years, Mbonimpa has denounced the assassinations of Burundi political opponents. The EP is urging the Burundi government to take measures to control the youth wing of the ruling party, the CNDD-FDD, and prevent them from attacking perceived opponents. Parliament recalls that Burundi is bound by the human rights clause of the Cotonou Agreement and calls on the European Commission to consider launching consultations with Burundi, under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement, with a view to its possible suspension from the Agreement. (LC)