Monitoring of media safety crisis in Burundi

The IFJ is monitoring the situation of journalists in the current political crisis in Burundi, after attacks and threats against journalist as well as the closure of all independent media which sent journalists in exile or in hiding. At least 40 journalists, including leaders of the Burundi Union of Journalists - an IFJ affiliate - have fled the country to neighbouring countries. The IFJ has led efforts in Europe and Africa to raise awareness of their plight and mobilised the support for their protection (http://www.rtbf.be/info/monde/detail_burundi-une-democratie-en-peril?id=8997015). Through its International Safety Fund, the IFJ spend over 10.000 Euro in assisting journalists under threat to get to safety and is raising more funding to extent the relief effort.