BURUNDI'S FORMER SECOND VICE PRESIDENT RELEASED FROM

UNCLAS BUJUMBURA 000178 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PINR PREL BY SUBJECT: BURUNDI'S FORMER SECOND VICE PRESIDENT RELEASED FROM CUSTODY REF: BUJUMBURA 176 ¶1. Burundi's National Intelligence Services (SNR) released the former Second Vice President, Marina Barampama, from custody by late in the evening on March 13, after eight hours of questioning. Barampama had been arrested earlier the same day on charges of posing a "threat to the internal security of the state," as well as "other" unspecified charges. Barampama is required to report regularly to the National Intelligence Service beginning March 14. ¶2. It is widely believed that Barampama was detained due to potential improprieties related to the importation of building materials from China. The goods, valued at nearly $150,000, including iron, steel and glass, were imported, duty-free, in the name of the Office of the Second Vice President; however, many speculate that much of the material was intended for her personal use at her residence. ¶3. Upon her release, Barampama told the local media that she is being "threatened" due to her political beliefs. Barampama is a key supporter of former CNDD-FDD party leader Hussein Radjabu. CNDD-FDD members removed Radjabu as party president during the party congress in Ngozi on February 7. President Nkurunziza subsequently dismissed Barampama as the Second Vice President on February 9 for "insubordination and irresponsibility" after she attempted to stem the attendance of the Ngozi congress by calling a meeting in Bujumbura of the socio-economic ministers who report to her. MOLLER