By RFIPalled on 14-07-2019Modified on 14-07-2019 at 19:53

In Burundi, the Christian Action for the Abolition of Torture (ACAT) alerts the case of Germain Rukuki. She believes that the procedures take too much time. It has been two years since this human rights defender was arrested. He is accused of rebellion and undermining the security of the state.

Germain Rukiki was sentenced to 32 years in prison in April 2018. His lawyers appealed and an appeal hearing was held in November 2018 in Ngozi by the Bujumbura Court of Appeal, but, denounces Mr. Armel Niyongere, President of ACAT Burundi, delays and irregularities have made that, to this day, the verdict is still not made.

" An appeal hearing took place on November 26, 2018 in Ngozi by the Bujumbura Court of Appeal, but at the time of the pronouncement, there was the creation of new courts of appeal, the Court of Appeal Bujumbura is no longer competent for matters territorially attributed to the newly created courts. At the same time, the Ntahangwa Court of Appeal reveals that Germain's file is nowhere to be found! The loss of the file was added to other numerous procedural irregularities that had tainted this file, "said Mr. Armel Niyongere.

The condemnation of 32 years of Prison at #DDH Germain #Rukuki and without any proof shows how the #Burundi justice is exploited by the Executive to suppress human rights defenders. That's what is called "Justice" in #Burundi pic.twitter.com/ixJjQhKAGP

Armel NIYONGERE (@NiyongereArmel) July 13, 2019

He added that " for a decision expected initially for a maximum of 30 days, it was not until six months, because it was not until May 31, 2019 that the proceedings were reopened. The verdict was to be pronounced no later than June 28, 2019. Germain Rukuki is still waiting for the verdict ", until today.

Concern over his conditions of detention

Germain Rukuki had a leg surgery last year following a fracture. Master Armel Niyongere is concerned about his conditions of detention, including lack of visits and care.

We can not visit him. You need an authorization.

Master Armel Niyongere

14-07-2019 - By Sébastien Duhamel

RFI has not managed to reach the Burundian authorities to make them react.

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