Burundi: RSF relieved by the release of Radio Igicaniro journalist Floriane Irangabiye
After nearly two years in prison, Floriane Irangabiye is about to be released. Pardoned by Burundi's President on 14 August, the journalist was serving a 10-year prison sentence for ‘undermining the integrity of national territory’. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) welcomes her release, but points out that Floriane Irangabiye should never have been arrested and locked up for doing her job as a journalist.
This is a huge relief in Burundi and for journalists around the world. Floriane Irangabiye, host of the radio station Igicaniro, has been granted full remission of the sentences handed down against her, according to a presidential decree signed on 14 August. She had been sentenced in January 2023 to 10 years‘ imprisonment for ‘undermining the integrity of national territory’. RSF has repeatedly denounced this harsh and arbitrary decision, based on spurious charges.
“Our joy is inexpressible”, Floriane Irangabiye's sister told RSF. The female journalist has been living in Rwanda since 2015. A reputed critic of the Burundian authorities, she was arrested on 30 August 2022 by the intelligence services while visiting the country.
We are relieved, as are all the journalists and press freedom activists who stood up on her behalf, to know that Floriane Irangabiye, who was serving a 10-year prison sentence for doing her job, will soon be able to see her family and loved ones again, and plan to resume her work. Floriane should never have been arrested or spent nearly two years behind bars. We reiterate our call to the authorities in Burundi, to protect press freedom and ensure that journalists can freely carry out their work without fear of reprisals. Another woman journalist is still in prison: Sandra Muhoza, who is facing life imprisonment, must now also be released and the charges against her dropped.
Sandra Muhoza, a journalist with the online media La Nova Burundi, was arrested on 13 April and was remanded in custody five days later. She faces life imprisonment after sharing information implicating government figures. RSF continues to call for her release and for the charges against her to be dropped. While Floriane Irangabiye's release is a positive sign for press freedom, RSF has documented an increase in attacks and intimidation against journalists in recent months.
