Burundian journalist Floriane Irangabiye released after two years in prison

Kampala, 16 August 2024— The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the release of Burundian online journalist Florianne Irangabiye, who served two years of a ten-year prison sentence following a presidential pardon.

“Floriane Irangabiye's detention was deeply unjust and it is a huge relief that she has finally been released after two years behind bars,” said Muthoki Mumo, CPJ Africa program coordinator, in Nairobi. “The authorities in Burundi must now ensure that no other journalist is imprisoned for their work and that the media can operate freely, without state interference or harassment.”

Irangabiye was arrested on August 30, 2022. In January 2023, she was convicted of undermining the integrity of Burundian territory. The charge was based on her anti-government comments on Radio Igicaniro, a Rwanda-based online station she co-founded. On August 14, 2024, Burundi's President Évariste Ndayishimiye signed a decree pardoning her. A person familiar with her case, who asked not to be identified for security reasons, told CPJ that she was released from prison on Friday evening.

CPJ has documented that journalists in Burundi face pressure from government regulations and national security concerns and face arrest, physical attacks, and intimidation because of their work.