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One Dead as Burundi Protesters Defy Ban


A group of over 250 women march through the center of Bujumbura, Burundi, calling for the release of protesters arrested during demonstrations, Sunday May 10, 2015.
A group of over 250 women march through the center of Bujumbura, Burundi, calling for the release of protesters arrested during demonstrations, Sunday May 10, 2015.

One person was killed in clashes with Burundi police as protesters defied an order banning street demonstrations over President Pierre Nkurunziza's decision to run for a third term.

Witnesses say the protester was shot dead Sunday as police and soldiers used force to remove barricades in parts of the capital, Bujumbura.

At least 14 people have died and more than 200 wounded in demonstrations since April.

Also Sunday, about 200 women marched in the capital in a call for peace and unity. The demonstration ended when police prevented them from marching to the city's Independence Square.

Bujumbura has seen protests almost every day since the president announced his plans last month to run for a third term. Demonstrators say Nkurunziza is violating a two-term limit in the constitution, but Burundi's constitutional court ruled he could run because he was elected by parliament, not voters, for his first five-year term in 2005.

Nkurunziza vowed in a speech last week that if he is re-elected, it will be his last term. He also called for an end to the protests, saying it is important the June 26 elections be held in a peaceful atmosphere.

Human rights groups say the government and its supporters are using violence and intimidation against the protesters and opposition. On Wednesday, security forces arrested one of the presidential candidates accused of organizing protests.

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