In response to a petition from the Union of Burundian Journalists (UBJ), the Constitutional Court has quashed certain provisions of the media law that was promulgated on 4 June 2013. The court’s ruling, issued on 7 January, invalidated articles providing for huge increases in fines and other penalties that could be imposed on journalists in an arbitrary manner.
In response to a petition from the Union of Burundian Journalists (UBJ), the Constitutional Court has quashed certain provisions of the media law that was promulgated on 4 June 2013.
The court’s ruling, issued on 7 January, invalidated articles providing for huge increases in fines and other penalties that could be imposed on journalists in an arbitrary manner.
“While we obviously approve the suppression of these articles, we deplore the fact that other draconian provisions are still in effect, namely, those that force journalists to reveal their sources, restrict their investigative ability and reinforce the punitive powers of the National Communication Council (CNC),” Reporters Without Borders said.
The Union of Burundian Journalists has also petitioned the East African Community’s Court of Justice, based in the Tanzanian city of Arusha.
