Burundi police said on Friday they were holding two respected foreign journalists as they reported on gunmen opposed to the government in the volatile nation.
French journalist Jean-Philippe Remy, Africa bureau chief for French daily Le Monde, and British photojournalist Phil Moore, were arrested on Thursday afternoon, they said.
Both have covered the region for years winning several awards for their work. "The two foreigners were arrested in the company of armed criminals," the Security Ministry said in a statement. Presidential press chief Willy Nyamitwe said the pair were among 17 people arrested by police.
Police said a mortar, a Kalashnikov rifle and pistols were also seized in the raid in Nyakabiga, a Bujumbura suburb and anti-government protest hotspot. "They have not been charged, we are still at the investigation stage," said police deputy spokesman Moise Nkurunziza. In a statement Le Monde called for the "immediate release" of the two journalists.
"They both have valid visas and were merely exercising their professional duties by meeting all concerned parties involved in the current tensions in Burundi," Le Monde said. "The Burundian authorities should immediately release French journalist Jean-Philippe Remy and British photographer Phil Moore, unless there is a credible legal basis for detaining them, and guarantee their safety," said Carina Tertsakian of Human Rights Watch.
"They should ensure that they are not ill-treated in detention and that diplomatic representatives and lawyers can visit them without delay," Tertsakian added. The Foreign Correspondents' Association of East Africa (FCAEA) said it was "extremely concerned about the arrests of our esteemed and dear colleagues." -AFP
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