Media watchdog calls on EU to withdraw election funding to Rwanda

Paris-based Reporters Without Borders is calling on the European Union and other international donors to withdraw funding for the Rwandan elections.

Ahead of the campaigns for next month's elections in Rwanda, the atmosphere has been fraught.

The Rwandan government is facing criticism for lack of press freedom

There have been arrests, attempted assassinations and several political parties have been barred from participating in the polls.

Last month the acting editor of an independent paper was shot dead outside his home.

Human rights organisations have also accused the Rwandan government of attempting to muzzle the independent media.

BBC Network Africa's Rahat Mustapha spoke to Reporters Without Borders' director of research, Gilles Lordet.

The government response came from Rwanda's Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Tharcisse Karugarama in Kigali. He spoke to Paul Bakibinga.

First broadcast 22 July 2010