Rwanda, Burundi expel Human Rights Watch workers in crackdown on criticism ahead of elections
By APThursday, May 20, 2010
Rwanda, Burundi expel Human Rights Watch workers
NAIROBI, Kenya — A human rights official says the tiny east African nations of Rwanda and Burundi have expelled researchers from his New York-based organization.
Reed Brody of Human Rights Watch said Thursday the organization had been critical of both Rwanda’s and Burundi’s governments.
On Wednesday the Burundian government gave researcher Neela Ghoshal until June 5 to leave the country following last week’s report about political violence. Burundi is due to hold its first round of elections after nearly 16 years of civil war on Friday. Presidential polls are scheduled for June 28.
On April 23, neighboring Rwanda told the group’s Carina Tertsakian that she had 24 hours to leave the country.
Both Rwanda and Burundi have a history of political violence.
