President Nkurunziza approves controversial media law criticized for limiting press freedom

President Nkurunziza of Burundi approved a new media law that critics believed to be an assault on press freedom. The law required journalists to reveal their sources, restricted the coverage of certain topics, and allowed for the suspension of media organizations deemed to threaten national security. These measures were seen as an attempt to silence dissent and control the narrative in the country. The approval of this law sparked outrage among journalists, media outlets, and human rights organizations both locally and internationally. Critics argued that it would stifle freedom of expression and undermine democracy in Burundi. There were concerns that the law would be used to target independent media and further tighten the government's grip on information. The new media law was seen as part of a broader crackdown on freedom of speech and dissent in Burundi, where journalists and activists faced harassment, intimidation, and violence for expressing their views. It raised fears about the shrinking space for independent journalism and the ability of the media to hold those in power to account. #Burundi #PressFreedom #MediaLaw #FreedomOfExpression