Deutsche Welle demands immediate release of their correspondent in DR Congo

Germany's Public International Broadcaster, Deutsche Welle, DW) is demanding the immediate release of their correspondent in DR Congo, Antediteste Niragira.

Niragira, was arrested by members of the Congolese intelligence service (ANR) while reporting on Burundian refugees in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

A press release issued and signed by its Head of Corporate Communications and Spokesperson, Christoph Jumpeltthe said DW-correspondent Antéditeste Niragira has been in prison at the Democratic Republic of Congo since Wednesday, May 17, 2017.
 
The statement said Niragira was in that country to file a report for DW about the desolate conditions of Burundian refugees in a camp near the town of Kavimvira in the DR Congo when he was arrested by members of the Congolese intelligence service (ANR) in the refugee camp and transferred to a prison in the town of Uvira.  .
 
“Our correspondent was arrested by members of the Congolese intelligence service (ANR) in the refugee camp and transferred to a prison in the town of Uvira."

"Meanwhile, a lawyer commissioned by DW was able to ascertain the physical integrity of our correspondent.” It added.
 
According to the statement which was copied to GBCONLINE, Congolese authorities are refusing to provide further information about the accusation of espionage against our correspondent.
 
“The accusation that our correspondent is a spy is outrageous and baseless“, says DW-spokesperson Christoph Jumpelt. We demand that the authorities in the DR Congo release Antéditeste Niragira immediately and provide for his safe return to Burundi," the statement said.
 
“The last contact from Niragira with his wife was at 12:00 hours (local time) on 17 May 2017 from the Burundian-Congolese border crossing at Gatumba. Since the news of his disappearance, DW has been working on Antéditeste Niragira’s release through all available channels.” The statement concluded.

GBCONLINE