Six Hutu Freed Despite Accusations
The Burundi government freed six people who last year accused the army of summarily executing Hutu tribe members during ethnic clashes, a state-owned radio reported Friday.
Radio Burundi, in a broadcast monitored in Nairobi, did not identify the six people it said were released Thursday, but did say that they belonged to the majority Hutu tribe.
In August, Hutu in two northern communities of this East African nation attacked Tutsi neighbors.
The predominantly Tutsi army was sent to restore order but turned against the Hutu. At least 5,000 people died and an estimated 50,000 fled to neighboring Rwanda.
Government opponents say 17 people were arrested for accusing the army of the executions in a letter last year to President Pierre Buyoya of Burundi. The radio denied that charge.
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