Burundi suspends BBC and VOA radio broadcasts

Burundi's press regulator has suspended broadcasts by the BBC and Voice of America (VOA) by local radio stations ahead of a constitutional referendum on May 17. 

The head of Burundi's National Communications Council told journalists in the capital Bujumbura that a six-month ban would come into force on Monday. 

BBC and VOA are accused of "breaches of the law governing the press and ethics".  

The National Communications Council said the BBC damaged the reputation of President Pierre Nkurunziza during a discussion programme and had "ignored" previous warnings.  

Burundi's government earlier this week urged the regulator to "take action" against the BBC which it accused of spreading "incendiary statements, hatred and subversion". 

VOA is also accused of spreading "very tendentious" information and hiring a journalist "sought by Burundian justice".  

The BBC is yet to respond to the suspension but VOA has issued a statement condemning the move. 

SOURCE: NEWS24
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