BURUNDI: Approval of temporary immunity law sparks heated debate

Human rights groups, civil society organisations and opposition political parties have protested a new law granting temporary immunity to political leaders who returned from exile and are taking part in transitional government institutions in Burundi. The immunity law, which was approved by the National Assembly on 27 August, states: "The temporary immunity covers crimes with a political aim committed from 1 July 1962 (Burundi's independence) to the date of its promulgation (27 August 2003)".