[JURIST] Burundian security used belts and iron bars to intimidate and extract confessions [press release] from opponents of President Pierre Nkunrunziza [BBC profile], Amnesty International (AI) [advocacy website] said in a briefing [text, PDF] Monday. The briefing highlights an increase in the use of torture in Burundi since April, when Nkurunziza announced he would run for a third term in office. One detainee claimed he had to stare at the midday sun while being beaten, while another pair of detainees were held for days at a time in the Burundian capital of Bujumbra where they were prohibited from having legal representation. Intelligence operatives reportedly targeted the detainees knees and ankles with iron bars and belts, and one detainee was allegedly held in a cell with both rocks and glass spread across the floor. One officer reportedly told AI that the handling of the prisoners’ is exaggerated and “you who are against Nkurunziza, you are wasting your time, he’ll be president forever.”

Nkunrunziza was elected to a third term [JURIST report] in July despite constitutional language stating that presidents shall be universally elected into office for a term of five years and can renew the term only once. Prior to the vote, Nkurunziza’s opponents boycotted the election [JURIST report] claiming it is unconstitutional for a president to seek a third term. In Bujumbura, Burundi’s capital, citizens rioted against the election with explosions and gunfire last month. Also in July, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged all parties [statement] to refrain from violence that would destabilize Burundi and the region in wake of the election. The unrest in Burundi intensified in May after the Constitutional Court ruled that Nkunrunziza could seek a third term [JURIST report] in office without violating the country’s constitution.