JAILED DOCTOR NEEDS URGENT MEDICAL CARE

Dr. Christophe Sahabo, a Burundian doctor, was arrested on April 1, 2022 over a dispute regarding the management of Kira hospital and has remained in detention ever since. On September 10, he vomited and collapsed during a trial hearing. He was admitted to the hospital, but transferred back to Ruyigi Prison on September 12, while still undergoing treatment. His medical condition is serious and potentially life-threatening if he does not receive urgent medical attention. Family members were refused access to visit him in prison on September 14 and were not allowed to bring him medicines. The authorities must immediately allow him unfettered access to all necessary medical care.  

PLEASE TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNTIL: March 16, 2025

take action:

• Write a letter in your own words or using the sample below as a guide to one or both government officials listed. You can also email, fax, call or Tweet them.
• Click here to let us know the actions you took on Urgent Action 82.24. It’s important to report because we share the total number with the officials we are trying to persuade and the people we are trying to help.

contact information:

sample letter:

Dear Minister,

I am alarmed by the poor state of health of Dr. Christophe Sahabo, who has been detained since April 1, 2022. He needs urgent medical attention.

On September 10, 2024, Dr. Christophe Sahabo attended a trial hearing at Muha High Court in Bujumbura. The hearing was suspended after he vomited and collapsed in court. He was admitted to hospital where he underwent tests and began treatment. Despite a recommendation to maintain him under medical observation for several days, Dr. Christophe Sahabo was transferred back to Ruyigi Prison on the evening of September 12 – a journey of approximately 160 km. His family members were refused access to visit him in prison on September 14 and were not allowed to hand over medication they had brought for him.

At Amnesty International’s request, two independent doctors reviewed Dr. Christophe Sahabo’s medical notes and test results. They confirmed that his condition was potentially life-threatening and that he requires urgent medical attention.

In light of the above, I urge you to ensure that Dr. Christophe Sahabo immediately receives appropriate medical attention and has unfettered access to his family and lawyers.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

• READ THE FULL URGENT ACTION: Wordopens in a new tab or PDFopens in a new tab
• GET INSPIRED: Read about the people you have helped
• READ TIPS for writing effective letters and emails
• CONTACT US: [email protected]