Document - Burundi. Arrestation arbitraire / Prisonnier d'opinion. Alexis Sinduhije

PUBLIC AI Index: AFR 16/001/2009

11 March 2009

Further Information on UA 318/08 (AFR 16/007/2008, 19 November 2008) Arbitrary arrest/Prisoner of conscience

BURUNDI Alexis Sinduhije (m)

Prisoner of conscience Alexis Sinduhije was released on 11 March, and the charges against him were dropped, on the orders of the High Court (Tribunal de Grande Instance).

Alexis Sinduhije is the President of the political opposition group Movement for Security and Democracy (Mouvement pour la Sécurité et la Démocratie, MSD). He had been arrested on 3 November during an MSD party meeting. On 11 November, he was brought before the deputy prosecutor at the Prosecutor’s office in Bujumbura. He was subsequently charged with showing "contempt for the Head of State" (outrage au chef de l’etat).

No further action is requested from the UA network. Many thanks to all who sent appeals.