Burundian talk-show host Floriane Irangabiye, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for allegedly undermining national integrity, has been granted a full pardon by President Évariste Ndayishimiye. The announcement, made on Thursday, comes after Irangabiye had served 18 months of her sentence.
Irangabiye, who had been living in Rwanda before her arrest, ran a media company called Radio Igicaniro, which often criticised the Burundian government. She was arrested two years ago upon returning to Burundi to attend a family funeral.
Burundi has a poor track record on press freedom, ranking 108th out of 180 countries on the latest global index by Reporters Without Borders. Irangabiye’s release follows a series of letters written by her and her lawyers to President Ndayishimiye, citing her deteriorating health condition as a pressing reason for her pardon.
Local rights groups have cautiously welcomed the news of her release but continue to push for the liberation of others they claim are unjustly imprisoned. ACAT Burundi emphasised the need for justice and human rights to be upheld for all, while FORSC highlighted the plight of ‘thousands’ of political prisoners still detained in the country’s jails.
Another journalist, Sandra Muhoza, who faces similar charges, remains in custody, highlighting ongoing concerns about press freedom in the East African nation. Under President Ndayishimiye, who took office in 2020, Burundi has made some strides in improving international relations and enacting reforms. However, human rights organisations argue that significant challenges and violations persist.
