(Nairobi) – Human Rights Watch today released a short video on police abuses during demonstrations that began on April 26, 2015, in the Burundian capital, Bujumbura.
Burundian police have used excessive force against people protesting President Pierre Nkurunziza’s election bid for a third term. Police have shot at crowds indiscriminately and severely beaten demonstrators and detainees. Dozens of people have been killed and more than 300 injured since the end of April. Some demonstrators have also resorted to violence, injuring policemen and damaging buildings and vehicles.
“Police shouldn’t be using such harsh tactics against protesters or shooting into crowds of demonstrators,” said Daniel Bekele, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “The government should allow people to express themselves freely and peacefully if the upcoming elections are to be credible and fair.”
After a slight postponement, local and legislative elections are scheduled for June 29, presidential elections for July 15, and Senate elections for July 24.
