Burundi: 6 schoolgirls arrested for scribbling on President Pierre Nkurunziza’s image in books

Six Burundian schoolgirls had been arrested for scribbling on an image of the country's president in schoolbooks, according to the statement given by a parent and teacher.

The case echoes one in 2016, when several students were condemned to up to 20 years behind bars. They were freed after a public outcry. At the time, the government said the students had been influenced by "enemies of the country." The parent and teacher in this case in Kirundo spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear for their safety.

Burundi has been in political turmoil since President Pierre Nkurunziza announced in 2015 that he would run for another term. The government kicked out the United Nations human rights office this month. However, a national federation of children's associations says detaining the schoolgirls is not a solution.

With inputs from agencies.

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