In a resolution adopted on Thursday 16 January in Strasbourg, the European Parliament strongly condemns restrictions on freedom of expression, restrictions on civil liberties, large-scale human rights violations, intimidation and arbitrary arrests of journalists and broadcasting bans in Burundi.
MEPs recall that Burundi is bound to respect the essential elements of the Cotonou Agreement (human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law) and therefore urge the Burundian authorities to immediately reverse this abusive trend and to respect its human rights obligations.
Parliament stresses that civil society and journalists play an essential role in a democratic society, particularly in the run-up to the elections in Burundi next May. However, it stressed, journalists in this country work in a climate of fear.
Parliament calls on the Burundian authorities to put an end to the intimidation, harassment and arbitrary arrest of journalists, human rights activists and members of the opposition, especially those returning from exile.
The resolution was adopted by a show of hands. It was initially intended to focus on the situation of journalists in Burundi, before Parliament decided to focus on restrictions on freedom of expression. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)