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UN body condemns attack against human rights defender in Burundi

Xinhua, August 4, 2015 Adjust font size:

The spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Tuesday strongly condemned the attack against Pierre Claver Mbonhimpa, a human rights defender, in Burundi.

Mbonhimpa was reportedly attacked by two people on a motorbike Monday evening in Bujumbura, while he was on his way home.

The spokesperson also showed deep concern at the arrest and ill treatment earlier on Aug. 2 of a local correspondent working for AFP.

According to the spokesperson, the correspondent was taking pictures on the site where General Adolphe Nshimirimana was killed on the day, when he was arrested and brutalized by the related authorities.

"We call upon the Burundian authorities to launch prompt, transparent and thorough investigations into these very serious incidents and ensure that those responsible are held to account," the spokesperson noted.

The spokesperson also condemned the killing of general Nshimirimana and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

According to the figure provided by the spokesperson, during the last few months more than 600 people have been arrested and remain in detention without charge, some of them since April in Burundi. Endit