Photos: Burundi Journalist Freed, As Thousands Hit The Streets In Jubilation

Thousands marched through Burundi’s capital today in one of
the largest demonstrations in recent years after the release of a popular
journalist and government critic from jail, months ahead of key elections. Vast
crowds singing and dancing filled the streets of Bujumbura a day after Bob
Rugurika, director of the popular independent African Public Radio (RPA), was
released from prison on bail.

There was no official figure for how many people who took to
the streets, but residents said the mass rally of tens of thousands was the
largest they could remember.

Rugurika was jailed for “complicity” in the murder
of three Italian nuns, after interviewing one of the men who claimed he partook
in the killing of the nuns, but Police say they have a different report, and
arrested the popular journalist.

His arrest however sparked protests by civil rights
activists and fellow journalists, who accused the government of doing all it
can to sideline political challengers ahead of elections in May and June,
including arrests, harassment and a clampdown on free speech.