In February 2012, he was detained for two weeks on charges of making "false declarations", leading Amnesty International to designate him a prisoner of conscience.
[2] In early 2012, Ndikumana wrote to the Burundian Justice Minister, Pascal Barandagiye, stating that PARCEM had been told by new judges that they had been asked to pay US$1,000 to $1,500 in exchange for their appointments.
The court charged him under Article 14 of the Anti-Corruption Law with making "false declarations",[1] which carries a maximum sentence of ten years' imprisonment and a fine of 1 million Burundian francs (US$716).
Front Line Defenders expressed concern, stating that Ndikumana's arrest appeared to be "motivated by his work against corruption in the judicial system and its impact on access to equitable justice for all citizens".
[4] Amnesty International designated him a prisoner of conscience, "detained solely for exercising his right to freedom of expression", and called for his immediate arrest.