Burkina Faso suspends broadcasts from BBC and VOA radio stations due to their coverage of recent killings.
In the report based on its own investigation, the rights watchdog said the West African country’s military summarily executed about 223 villagers, including at least 56 children, in February as part of a campaign against civilians accused of collaborating with jihadist militants.
HRW urged Burkinabe authorities to investigate massacres allegedly committed by the army in anti-terrorism operations. The organization cited repeated instances of mass atrocities against civilians.
The country’s communication council said HRW’s report contained “peremptory and tendentious” declarations against the army likely to create public disorder and it would suspend the programmes of the broadcasters over their coverage of the story.
Authorities also said in a statement they had ordered internet service providers to suspend access to the websites and other digital platforms of the BBC, VOA and Human Rights Watch from Burkina Faso.
“VOA stands by its reporting about Burkina Faso and intends to continue to fully and fairly cover events in that country,” Acting VOA Director John Lippman said in a statement.
“The Voice of America strictly adheres to the principles of accurate, balanced and comprehensive journalism, therefore, we ask the government of Burkina Faso to reconsider this troubling decision.”
The suspension of BBC and VOA broadcasts triggers widespread condemnation from media organizations and human rights advocates. Furthermore, it prompts calls for Burkina Faso’s government to respect freedom of the press and uphold democratic values.
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