How long will prison authorities remain inactive while inmates are allegedly subjected to abuse?
Inmates at Murembwe Prison, located in Rumonge Commune, Burunga Province, are raising the alarm over serious alleged acts of abuse attributed to HABIMANA Marc, known by the nickname “Salumu,” who is reportedly responsible for overseeing inmates at the facility.
According to accounts provided by inmates, they have allegedly been subjected to abusive treatment, including the confiscation of their personal belongings and the imposition of particularly severe disciplinary punishments.
Salumu Accused of Confiscating Money and Belongings from Newly Admitted Inmates
According to information provided by inmates, Salumu allegedly introduced a practice of systematically confiscating money and personal belongings from people newly admitted to Murembwe Prison, including those transferred from other correctional facilities.
He allegedly takes the money they have in their possession, claiming that no inmate is permitted to enter prison with money.
These alleged practices are reportedly carried out with the assistance of individuals who accompany him and are referred to as “security officers,” according to accounts provided by inmates.
Those whose belongings are allegedly confiscated are also said to face intimidation, preventing them from demanding the return of their property or reporting the alleged abuses to the competent authorities.
Inmates Allegedly Subjected to Severe Punishments
The situation at Murembwe Prison is reportedly particularly concerning. According to the accounts received, inmates accused of minor offenses, as well as those who attempt to speak out against practices they consider abusive, allegedly risk facing particularly harsh punishments.
Those considered to have committed an offense are reportedly taken to a very small cell known as the “correction cell,” located in Block Six of the prison.
According to the same accounts, Salumu allegedly orders water to be poured onto the floor of the cell before having the inmates locked inside. They are then reportedly deprived of food while being held there.
These alleged practices raise serious concerns about respect for human dignity and the conditions of detention at the facility.
Urgent Appeal to Judicial Authorities
The inmates claim that they have repeatedly attempted to alert the prison director, Police Colonel MANIRAKIZA Pascal, about these alleged abuses, but that no effective corrective measures have been taken so far.
They suspect that close personal ties between the prison director and Salumu may explain the alleged lack of action by the prison authorities. These allegations, however, remain unverified.
In response to the situation, the inmates are making an urgent appeal to Burundi’s Minister of Justice to take the necessary measures to investigate the allegations, protect those in custody, and put an end to any abusive practices that may be established.
They are calling on the competent authorities to intervene without delay to ensure their safety, safeguard their fundamental rights, and allow them either to serve their sentences or to await trial under conditions that respect human dignity.
Further Allegations Concerning Female Inmates
Furthermore, Salumu has also been implicated in allegations of mistreatment targeting female inmates at the prison. According to the King Umurundi Freedom organization, these allegations will be addressed in a forthcoming publication.
The organization has announced that it will return to these allegations in a subsequent report, with the aim of bringing the accounts concerning the treatment of women in detention to public attention.