Burkina Faso gov't announces measures for safety of people in custody

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (PANA) - Burkina Faso's Cabinet on Thursday announced measures to prevent tragedies in the country's prisons following the death of 11 people in custody at the National Police's Anti-Drug Unit in Ouagadougou on 14 July.

Security Minister Ousséni Compaoré presented the findings of the administrative investigation to the Cabinet following the tragedy, a government statement said.

According to the statement, the minister briefed the Council of Ministers on  measures taken to prevent such tragedies.

According to him, it was also decided to maintain the precautionary measures taken immediately after the incident and their extension to other police officers.

The postings of some officers were cancelled while the Director of the Judicial Police and the head of the National Police Drug Unit have been relieved of their duties.

Many observers point to poor detention conditions of the accused as the cause of the tragedy.

-0- PANA TNDD/JSG/BBA/MA 26July2019