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afrol News, 2 May - According to information from the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), on 26 April, a group of twenty policemen raided a Burkinabe press center, arrested approximately twelve journalists, students and private individuals, and herded them into a police van. No explanation or reason was given to the arrests or the whereabouts of the detained, according to IFJ. The arrested allegedly have not been set free yet. In a letter to President Blaise Compaoré, IFJ expressed its deep concern over the recent arbitrary arrest of a dozen journalists, students, and private individuals at the Norbert Zongo Press Centre (NZPC). IFJ reminded President Compaoré of the Norbert Zongo case, which crystallises the concerns of many people in Burkina Faso and the international community about press freedom and the rule of law under the current government. - There is overwhelming evidence to suggest that Zongo was murdered simply for doing his duty as a journalist, according to a IFJ statement. "This tragedy has been compounded by the government's unwillingness to tolerate criticism about its handling of the Zongo affair." The Norbert Zongo case has marred Burkina Faso since the prominent journalist was found dead in December 1998. Investigations have revealed that President Blaise Compaoré's brother was connected to the murder case. While further independent investigations have been stopped, demands of an end to impunity have grown in the Burkinabe society. IFJ sent its letter of protest against the new detentions on 30 April. In a statement, the journalists' federation urges its colleagues to Send appeals to the president, "urging him to ensure that Zongo's murderers are brought to justice, and that the journalists, students and private individuals are released immediately." Sources: Based on IFEX/IFJ and afrol archives
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