Acknowledgements

This report was written by Neela Ghoshal, Burundi researcher at Human Rights Watch. It is based on field research conducted by Neela Ghoshal and APRODH human rights observers based in the provinces of Burundi. Lionel Nubwacu provided research and logistical assistance and translated interviews from Kirundi. Acquiline Nsabimana provided additional research assistance.

The report was edited by Rona Peligal, deputy director of the Africa division of Human Rights Watch. It was reviewed by James Ross, legal and policy director, and Andrew Mawson, deputy program director at Human Rights Watch. At APRODH, it was reviewed by Félix Haburiyakira.

Production assistance was provided by Rachel Nicholson, associate in the Africa division, Anna Lopriore, Creative Manager and Photo Editor, Grace Choi, publications director, and Fitzroy Hepkins, mail manager. Françoise Denayer translated this report into French. Peter Huvos, French website editor, vetted the French translation.

Independent photographer Martina Bacigalupo took all the photographs in this report.

Human Rights Watch and APRODH would like to thank the many victims and victims’ family members who shared their stories with us. We also thank the many local residents who were willing to openly discuss their attitudes toward mob justice, and the dozens of police, administrative, and judicial officials who spoke frankly with us about the challenges they face in carrying out their missions. We are grateful for the cooperation of innumerable administrative officials and to the National Police of Burundi for facilitating our research in the field.

Human Rights Watch extends its gratitude to ICCO for funding its work in Burundi.