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13 Burundian magistrates detained over corruption scandals

Xinhua, March 25, 2016 Adjust font size:

A total of 13 Burundian magistrates are detained over corruption charges and some of them have been convicted to a jail term ranging from two to 15 years, Burundian Justice Minister Aimee Laurentine Kanyana told a press conference on Thursday.

According to her, investigations are underway to find whether there are "corrupt" magistrates who are still free.

Kanyana said, "If we find a magistrate with serious charges, we sanction him mercilessly."

She also indicated that 812 people who were detained for participating in protests against the third term bid of Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza in April last year have been released as part of 2,000 inmates pardoned by President Nkurunziza in February.

"We acknowledge that prisons are overcrowded. We are doing our best to release those who deserve to be released," said Kanyana.

The justice minister also indicated that 13 magistrates have been arrested over corruption accusations.

Ten days ago, Kanyana admitted that there is high corruption within her ministry, pledging "severe sanctions" to corrupt judges. Endit