Online editor for Net Press arrested and jailed

Jean Claude Kavumbagu, the editor of online newspaper Net Press, was detained for 10 months from July 2010 to May 2011 as a result of an article which criticised Burundi’s security forces and their ability and readiness to defend the country against possible terrorist attacks. He was charged with treason and defamation under the 2005 press law. Throughout his detention, trial and to date, his Net Press website (www.netpress.bi) remained accessible. The article in question, published online on July 12, 2010 is still available online.  At his sentencing on charges of “undermining the state’s credibility and national security”, Mr. Kavumbagu was also fined BIF 100,000 (USD 65).