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Burundi media: in the cross-hairs of government

Burundi's journalists are bracing for tough times after parliament passed a restrictive draft media law that rights groups fear is designed to silence critical voices ahead of a general election in two years. The law, prepared amid great secrecy last year, was adopted by parliament last Monday. Giving the government extra powers, it strips from journalists the ability to protect their sources, restricts reporting on topics deemed sensitive and sharply raises the fines courts can impose.

Burundi court jails 182 followers of Catholic cult

A Burundian court has sentenced 182 followers of a Catholic prophet, who claims to see visions of the Virgin Mary, to up to five years in jail for defying police orders, a court spokesman said Saturday. The disciples of 30-year-old prophet Zebiya, were arrested Tuesday morning after defying a ban to gather on a hilltop that has become a place of pilgrimage. Zebiya has reportedly seen visions on the hill on the 12th day of every month.

Burundi police kill 7 during clashes with worshippers

BUJUMBURA, March 12 (Reuters) - Burundi police killed seven worshippers on Tuesday during clashes with more than 100 followers of a woman who claims to see the Virgin Mary once a month, a regional official said. The members of the banned religious sect were going to pray at the top of a hill in a northern Burundi village when the violence broke out. About 30 people were injured, the official said.

Burundi to get 68 mln euros in EU aid to boost power supply

BUJUMBURA, Feb 22 (Reuters) - The European Union will give Burundi 68 million euros ($89.91 million) to be used to improve electricity generation and transmission in rural areas to improve food production in the tiny central African country, an EU official said on Friday.

Burundi police disperse journalists marching for colleague's release

BUJUMBURA, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Burundian police fired teargas to disperse about 90 journalists protesting against the detention of a colleague accused of complicity in a 2011 gun attack, in a case that has raised concerns about a clampdown on media in the east African nation. Police said they used force because the demonstration in the capital Bujumbura was illegal.

Burundi court cuts journalist prison term over gun attack

* Journalists in Burundi targeted by prosecutors * Reporter convicted after interview with rebel leader * Lawyer says to appeal against new prison term By Patrick Nduwimana GITEGA, Burundi, Jan 8 (Reuters) - A court in Burundi reduced a life sentence handed last year to a reporter accused of complicity in a 2011 gun attack after finding him guilty of a less serious offence, an appeal judge said on Tuesday.
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