Amnesty International declared itself very concerned...

Amnesty International declared itself very concerned at the prospect of renewed judicial executions in Burundi. Four men, all Rwandese nationals, appeared to be at imminent risk of execution in Bujumbura. The men were tried on 23 February 2004 on charges relating to a bank robbery that took place in Bujumbura on 29 January 2004, in which one person was killed and a large amount of money stolen. Arrested on 31 January, the men were initially detained incommunicado at the Brigade speciale de recherche (BSR), a gendarmerie special investigation unit, where they were reportedly badly beaten. Following the men's arrest, a Bujumbura gendarmerie commander called for an example to be made of the men to deter others. On 26 February, the President of Burundi reportedly told journalists that an example should be made, and that the men in question were not the only ones who would be subjected to this punishment, raising fears that the verdict and outcome of any subsequent appeals was a foregone conclusion, and that further executions could follow. "Burundi may well be closer to peace now than at any time in the last 10 years. To begin a new era with executions after unfair trials sends a very negative - and violent - message that undermines government claims to be committed to human rights. Furthermore, executions fly in the face of the worldwide trend towards abolition," the organization said. The State Public Prosecutor had requested the death penalty. It was highly unusual for a trial to take place so soon after arrest in Burundi. The verdict was expected imminently. "The President should uphold respect for human rights in Burundi, where no executions have been carried out since the year 2000. He should also honour his party's historic commitment to abolition of the death penalty," Amnesty International urged. It was reported that the four Rwandese were denied their request for legal assistance. The defendants were told to defend themselves, although they were given no time to prepare a defence. The trial lasted three hours. "The judicial authorities in Burundi must ensure that all prisoners are guaranteed every opportunity to defend themselves, and the right of appeal to a higher tribunal," the organization added.