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[28 May 2009] - Eleven people in Burundi are facing trial for allegedly killing, or aiding in the killing and selling of albinos and albino body parts. The hearing in the eastern province of Ruyigi near the Tanzanian border began last week, but had to be adjourned as many witnesses failed to show up. Police suspect that albino body parts are sold in neighbouring Tanzania, where they are used in witchcraft. Last November, two people were jailed for life for crimes against albinos. The BBC's Prime Ndikumagenge, in Ruyigi, says six of the accused are alleged to have killed albinos or been found with body parts. Three others are accused of having admitted to killing an albino child. The other two are accused of having accommodated the six suspected killers when they were going to sell the body parts in neighbouring Tanzania. Our reporter says that much depends on the attendance of the witnesses and money has been sent to them to ensure they can travel to give evidence. He adds the case has generated a great deal of interest and that loudspeakers are being brought into the court so that everyone can hear the proceedings. Witchdoctors in the region are known to tell clients that potions made with albino body parts will bring them luck in love, life and business. Further information
pdf: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/8071405.stm