Calls for independent inquiry into death of Rwandan journalist

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Dozens of African civil society groups and press associations on Tuesday called for an independent investigation into the death of a Rwandan journalist, saying the official explanation lacked evidence.

Investigative journalist John Williams Ntwali has previously expressed fear for his life and told Human Rights Watch that he received phone threats and strangers came to his house.

His family was informed on 19 January of his death, which the Rwandan police attributed to a motorcycle accident.

A joint statement by the 90 organizations on Tuesday said no evidence of the accident has yet been released.

“The Rwandan authorities have not provided a police report, the exact location of the alleged accident, any photo or video evidence, or details of other participants in the accident,” the statement said.

Ntwali has been hailed as the last Rwandan independent journalist to expose alleged human rights abuses against detained opposition figures and journalists.

His latest report highlighted the plight of people facing land eviction by the authorities.

US Agency for International Development Administrator Samantha Power on Saturday urged the Rwandan government to conduct an independent investigation into Ntwali’s death.

Rwanda has been accused of violating media freedom in the past.

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