Burundi journo freed on bail
2005-06-23 10:55
Bujumbura - A Burundian journalist arrested for allegedly insulting President Domitien Ndayizeye was ordered free on bail on Wednesday, his lawyer said.
Etienne Ndikuriyo, a journalist with local radio station Bonesha FM and director of on-line newspaper Zoom-net, was bailed by prosecutor Anonciatte Twagirayezu, and told to see an examining judge every week, lawyer Gabriel Sinarinzi said.
Ndikuriyo was arrested on June 14 for writing an article in which he said the president was depressed after his party was defeated in June 3 local elections.
Ndikuryo was accused of "striking a blow at the private life and honour" and "insulting the head of state" in the story published by Bujumbura's Zoom-Net newspaper and despite appeals he was transferred to prison to await trial on Friday.