Chief Justice targets government critics

Burundi’s Chief Justice has ordered the seizure of property belonging to jailed army officers and exiled opposition activists accused of supporting a supposed coup plot against President Pierre Nkurunziza. The order targets numerous government critics accused of spearheading a failed challenge against Nkurunziza in May 2015, when he announced he would run for a controversial third term. A Mail & Guardian Online report notes that the order states that the property and assets belonging to 32 opposition leaders and journalists in exile, and nine jailed military officers, should be 'exploited by the state'. It was co-signed by the Supreme Court Chief Justice and Attorney-General. The report notes that critics said the ruling made a mockery of Burundi’s judiciary and underscored the ongoing persecution meted out against the beleaguered political opposition.