The article to publish on the blog:
“The silence of the Burkinabè government in the face of the decision of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in the extradition case of François Compaoré raises strong questions from professional media organizations. This case concerns the younger brother of the former Burkinabè president, prosecuted in the case of Norbert Zongo, a journalist murdered in 1998.
The European Court of Human Rights has refused the extradition of François Compaoré due to doubts about the security guarantees offered by the current government of Burkina Faso. According to the ECHR, the guarantees given at the time of the extradition request have not been renewed, which could result in a violation of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights prohibiting torture and inhumane treatment.
Faced with this decision, Burkinabè journalists are demanding explanations from the transitional government. Me Prosper Farama, lawyer for the Zongo family, calls on the government to ask if it was asked for guarantees that it did not provide and if it provided any, it must explain them. He recalls that this issue has been of capital importance for the struggle of human rights defenders for decades and that lives have been sacrificed for it.
The Norbert Zongo National Press Center also calls on the Burkinabè to commit to justice and to mobilize so that light is shed on the murder of Norbert Zongo and all other blood crimes. He recalls that it is thanks to these past struggles that the country enjoys a certain freedom today and encourages everyone to stand up for the cause of justice.
This case highlights the issues of respect for human rights and the fight against impunity in Burkina Faso. The transitional government is thus challenged to clarify its position and provide responses to the concerns of journalists and human rights defenders. This decision by the European Court of Human Rights constitutes an important reminder of the importance of justice in a country in democratic transition. To be continued.”