December 16, 2024 - Burundi, Bujumbura

Court sentences journalist Sandra Muhoza to 1 year & 9 months in prison on politically motivated charges of “attacking the integrity of national territory” & “racial aversion.” Detained since April, she was accused of sharing info on gov’t arms distribution in a private WhatsApp group.

This verdict, ahead of elections, is part of a broader crackdown on press freedom. Sandra is the 2nd woman journalist targeted in 2 years, after Floriane Irangabiye was sentenced to 10 years in 2023. Although Floriane was eventually pardoned by the president and released, she spent two years behind bars. This ongoing repression of journalists in Burundi silences dissent and undermines democracy.

Women Press Freedom firmly condemns Muhoza's conviction. We support her lawyer's decision to appeal & urge the court to overturn the ruling and immediately free her. Authorities in Burundi must stop imprisoning journalists.