In a resolution adopted on 4 July, 2018, the European Parliament denounced the « intimidation, repression, violence and harassment of journalists, opposition supporters and human rights defenders », calling in particular for the immediate and unconditional release of Germain Rukuki, Nestor Nibitanga, Emmanuel Nshimirimana, Aimé Constant Gatore and Marius Nizigama for whom FIDH, through its Observatory for the Protection of Human RIghts Defenders, issued a number of urgent appeals.
Following FIDH’s recommendations and briefings prior to the adoption of the resolution, the MEPs called on Burundi to respect the rule of law and fundamental human rights such as freedom of expression and freedom of the media. The resolution further highlighted the enforced suspension and/or permanent closure of organisations such as FIDH member league ITEKA and demands an end to any further payment to Burundian troops engaged in UN and AU peacekeeping missions thus enabling the regime to try and hide its own crisis marked by gross violations of human rights.