UN urges ICC to probe Burundi crimes against humanity

Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza at a national event at Prince Louis Rwagasore Stadium in Bujumbura on July 1, 2015. PHOTO | MARCO LONGARI | AFP

UN investigators on Monday accused Burundi's government of crimes against humanity, including executions and torture, and urged the International Criminal Court to open a case "as soon as possible".

The United Nations Commission of Inquiry on Burundi said it had "reasonable grounds to believe that crimes against humanity have been committed and continue to be committed in Burundi," pointing a finger at "the highest level of the state".