Burundi: Journalist faces 12 years imprisonment for sharing information on instant messaging app

Iwacu/UBJ

According to local media Les Voix du Burundi, journalist Sandra Muhoza sharedinformation about alleged government-led arms distribution in a private WhatsApp group of journalists.

The journalist, who has been detained for seven months, appeared at the high court in Mukaza on 12 November. The public prosecutor demandedtwelve years' imprisonment, ten for "attacking the integrity of national territory" and two for "ethnic aversion", as well as a fine of one million Burundian francs.

Muhoza's lawyers categorically rejected the accusations and argued that the journalist was simply doing her job and exercising her right to freedom of expression.

In August 2024, Burundi journalist Floriane Irangabiye was granteda presidential pardon after being sentenced to ten years in jail for undermining Burundi's national integrity.

IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: "The charges brought against journalist Sandra Muhoza constitute a mockery of the judicial system in Burundi. They are a clear attempt to silence the press and suppress freedom of expression. We call on the Burundian government to drop all charges against Muhoza and immediately release her. Authorities must stop their crackdown on the media".