Ambassador Severin Ntahomvukiye
Embassy of the Republic of Burundi
2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 212
Washington, DC 20007

Dear Ambassador:

I wish to express my grave concern regarding the safety of fourteen individuals who were arrested last month in Bujumbura. Ten of them were arrested on 8 April, one on 9 April, another on 10 April, and the last two on 26 April. Apparently, they are believed to have been detained on suspicion of involvement in a series of mine explosions in Bujumbura. Although their cases have now gone to the Public Prosecutor's Office, it does not appear that they have been officially charged.

I understand that Amnesty International has received reports that four of the detainees -- Djamali Nsabimana; Faidi Vyankandondera; and two brothers whose family name is not known (the older brother is named Roger; the younger brother is a primary school student) -- are being held in incommunicado detention at Camp Buyenzi in Bujumbura, and they are being tortured there. Their families have not been allowed to visit them or to leave food for them.

Eight of the detainees -- Djamali Nzeyimana; Joseph Kamwenubusa; Arthur Nyankawindemera and his younger brother, Haruna, a student; Leonard (family name unknown); Hamisi Ramazani; Buyoya (first name unknown); and 16-year-old Saido Habonimana -- are being held at the Brigade speciale de recherches (BSR), Special Investigation Brigade in Bujumbura, where detainees are routinely ill-treated and tortured. Two others, Yahya Hamisi and Hamadi Haruna, are both reported to be in the custody of the Police de securite routiere (PSR), the traffic police.

I am very concerned for the safety of all of the detainees, particularly those held incommunicado at Camp Buyenzi who reportedly are being tortured. They should be allowed immediate access to their families, legal counsel, medical care and representatives of humanitarian organizations. I urge that immediate steps be taken to guarantee that they are treated humanely.

In addition, the reasons for the arrest and continued detention of these fourteen people should be clarified. Please understand that I do not condone any violent actions they may have committed. If they did commit a recognizably criminal offense, they should be officially charged and brought to trial in accordance with proper legal procedures. If they are not to be charged, they should be released immediately. Under no circumstances do their deeds justify human rights violations to be perpetrated against them by prison authorities. I strongly urge your government to investigate the reports of torture and, if confirmed, ensure that those responsible are brought to justice in accordance with the norms of international law.

I trust you will convey my concerns to your government immediately. Thank you.

Respectfully yours,