Burundi: Women Press Freedom Welcomes Release of Floriane Irangabiye Following Presidential Pardon
Irangabiye was sentenced to 10 years on false accusations due to her critical reporting on the Burundian government
Location: Burundi, Gitega
Date: August 14, 2024
Women Press Freedom is delighted by the liberation of Floriane Irangabiye from prison, thanks to President Évariste Ndayishimiye's full pardon. Irangabiye had been serving a harsh 10-year term on unfounded charges related to her affiliation with Radio Igicaniro, a diaspora-based media outlet known for its critical views on the Burundian government. Arrested in 2022 upon her return to Burundi after a decade in Rwanda, Irangabiye’s overdue freedom marks a triumph for press freedom. Women Press Freedom has vigorously advocated for her release, and President Ndayishimiye's decision to pardon her represents an important step toward fostering a more transparent and inclusive media environment, especially amidst the growing challenges faced by journalists in Burundi. As Irangabiye reunites with her loved ones, Women Press Freedom celebrates her long-awaited freedom and continues to call for the immediate release of all unjustly imprisoned journalists in Burundi.
Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye has granted a full pardon to journalist Floriane Irangabiye, who was serving a bogus 10-year prison sentence for "endangering the integrity of the national territory."
Irangabiye's release, announced in a statement from the President's Office dated August 14, 2024, marks a significant development in the ongoing press freedom challenges in Burundi.
Irangabiye, who was detained in a Bujumbura prison, had expressed a plea for a pardon following her arrest in August 2022 and subsequent sentencing in January 2023. Critics, including Women Press Freedom, decried the trial process as unfair, raising concerns about the suppression of dissenting voices in the country.
The charges against Irangabiye stemmed from her involvement with the diaspora-based news outlet Radio Igicaniro, known for its critical stance towards the Burundian government. Her return to Burundi from a decade-long stay in Rwanda led to her detention and legal troubles, highlighting the risks faced by journalists who engage in independent reporting in restrictive environments.
Unfortunately, Irangabiye is not the only woman journalist in Burundi unjustly thrown behind bars for her work. On April 18, 2024, Women Press Freedom documented the case of journalist Sandra Muhoza, who similarly faced allegations of "endangering the integrity of the national territory," as confirmed by her legal team and family members. Muhoza was arrested in Bujumbura, the economic capital of Burundi, following statements she reportedly made in a private WhatsApp group. The National Intelligence Service detained her and transferred her to Mpimba prison, known for its harsh conditions. Muhoza endured severe mistreatment, including being blindfolded, handcuffed, physically assaulted, and deprived of adequate sustenance — actions that flagrantly violated her fundamental human rights and dignity.
Women Press Freedom expresses strong support for Floriane Irangabiye and all journalists who face unfair imprisonment in Burundi. We are thrilled by her release and call for the immediate release of all detained journalists in the country. Authorities must protect journalists and ensure they are not persecuted for carrying out their essential role in informing the public. A free, independent press is essential for upholding democracy and accountability.
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