BUJUMBURA, May 5 (Xinhua) -- The Burundian National Media Council (CNC) said it has suspended the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and the Voice of America (VOA) radio stations from broadcasting on the Burundian territory.

"Programs of the BBC and the VOA radio stations have been suspended on the whole Burundian territory for a period of six months. The decision will take effect as of May 7," said Ramadhan Karenga, chairman of CNC, in a statement on Friday.

According to him, the BBC is accused of violating principles of "balance of information" and "rigorous verification" of sources.

"Despite a warning given to the BBC following a report on Burundi aired on March 12, the BBC has again violated the principles of information balance and rigorous verification of sources provided in the Burundian press law," said Karenga.

He said the VOA has been suspended for continuing to disseminate programs on a local radio station that was suspended in 2015. Besides, the VOA has hired a Burundian journalist who is facing an international arrest warrant, he added.

Radio France International (RFI) and two local radio stations received a warning from the CNC for also violating the Burundian press law, according to the statement.