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21 killed in Burundi protests since April: Red Cross

Xinhua, June 4, 2015 Adjust font size:

The Burundi Red Cross counted at least 21 persons killed during demonstrations that started in the Burundian capital Bujumbura since April 26, a Red Cross spokesman said Wednesday.

"From April 26 to June 2, agents of the Burundi Red Cross counted and deplored the killing of 21 persons killed during demonstrations in some neighborhoods of the capital Bujumbura," said Alexis Manirakiza.

Manirakiza indicated that during that period, the Red Cross agents counted 552 injured persons including 24 women, adding that the others were men and children.

He said that the Burundi Red Cross assisted the injured persons at its three places belonging to the humanitarian organization, in Ngagara (north of the capital Bujumbura), Rohero (Bujumbura city center) and in Kinindo (south of the capital Bujumbura) where it has a clinic.

However, the Association for the Protection of human Rights and Detainees' Rights (APRODH) says more than 30 persons were killed since April 26.

Meanwhile, the strength of protests Wednesday seemed to have reduced in some neighborhoods of Bujumbura like Ngagara, Cibitoke and Nyakabiga.

Burundi has been in turmoil since April 25 when Nkurunziza announced his decision to run for another term in office in the coming election despite warnings at home and abroad.

Opponents say his re-election bid violates the constitution that limits the president to two terms in office.

His supporters, however, argue that his first term does not count as he was appointed by parliament, not elected by citizens in a universal suffrage. Endi