Burundi: Sandra Muhoza Charged with Bogus 'Endangering Internal Security,' Faces Potential Life Sentence
Women Press Freedom unequivocally condemns Muhoza’s arrest and the charges levied against her by the Burundian authorities
Location: Burundi, BujumburaDate: April 18, 2024
Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with Sandra Muhoza, a journalist unjustly charged and detained under harsh conditions in Burundi. Sandra’s detention under the allegation of “endangering internal security” is an alarming example of the increasingly hostile environment that female journalists face in Burundi. It is our firm belief that her arrest is not only a grave injustice to her as an individual but also a blatant attempt to suppress the freedom of the press. The harsh treatment reported — being blindfolded, handcuffed, beaten, and restricted to minimal sustenance — is a violation of basic human rights and dignity. Such actions against journalists are unacceptable and should be met with strong international condemnation. The allegations against Sandra, stemming from her participation in discussions about potential governmental abuses, further underscore journalists' critical role in safeguarding democracy and exposing injustices. Women Press Freedom calls upon the international community to demand Sandra's immediate and unconditional release. We urge the Burundian prosecutor to drop the bogus charges and release Muhoza immediately.
Burundian journalist Sandra Muhoza has been formally charged with "endangering internal security," an offense that could carry a sentence of life imprisonment, according to her legal team and family members. Muhoza's arrest occurred in Bujumbura, the economic capital of Burundi, following comments she allegedly made in a private WhatsApp group. She was detained by the National Intelligence Service last weekend and transferred to the Mpimba prison, notorious for its harsh conditions.
The charges against Muhoza are connected to statements she reportedly made regarding an alleged distribution of machetes to Imbonerakure, the youth wing of the ruling CNDD-FDD party. According to judicial sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, Muhoza was charged on April 18, and her case is under investigation. However, the prosecution has confirmed that she is facing charges of "endangering the internal security of the state" and "ethnic aversion."
Muhoza's lawyers and relatives have voiced concerns about her treatment during interrogation, claiming that she was blindfolded, handcuffed, and beaten. They further allege that she was given only one meal of rice and beans per day, and that corporal punishment was inflicted upon her during questioning. The authorities have not publicly responded to these claims.
This latest incident follows the 2023 case of journalist Floriane Irangabiye, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for "undermining the integrity of the national territory," with the precise grounds for the charge remaining unclear.
Women Press Freedom is deeply concerned by allegations that Muhoza was blindfolded, handcuffed, beaten, and subjected to corporal punishment during questioning. These practices are not only illegal but also inhumane. It is unacceptable that journalists who bravely seek truth and justice should be subjected to such harsh conditions merely for exercising their right to report. Burundi's poor track record on press freedom and its treatment of women journalists are matters of serious concern. The case of Sandra Muhoza amplifies the need for international scrutiny and collective action to ensure her safety and protect her rights. We call on Burundian authorities to drop the bogus charges against Muhoza, and we urge the immediate cessation of any abuse or mistreatment. Furthermore, we demand that Burundi uphold its international obligations regarding human rights and press freedom. This includes ensuring that journalists can work without fear of arrest, intimidation, or violence.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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