Alerts | Arrest/detention/charges

Authorities imprison journalist Sandra Muhoza over comments in a WhatsApp group

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On April 13, 2024, journalist Sandra Muhoza from the online news outlet La Nova was arrested and detained by security forces. The incident followed her reported comments about an alleged distribution of machetes to Imbonerakure, the youth wing of the ruling CNDD-FDD party, in a media professionals’ WhatsApp group. She has been charged with “endangering internal security” and is currently in prison. On November 12, the public prosecutor requested a 12-year prison sentence against her, including a fine of 1 million Burundi francs (approximately 329 euros). The verdict is expected in December. Muhoza is the second journalist arrested and imprisoned recently, following Floriane Irangabiye, who was arrested in August 2022 and sentenced to ten years in prison before being released on August 16. Self-censorship has increased in the media landscape in Burundi due to fears of arrest and legal prosecution, as a result of increasing intolerance towards media criticism and independent journalism.

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