Burundi Journalist Pardoned After 18 Months in Prison

Floriane Irangabiye, a talk-show host and journalist, has been pardoned by the Burundian presidency after serving 18 months of a 10-year sentence for allegedly undermining national integrity. The announcement of her full remission came on Thursday, marking a significant development in a case that has drawn attention to the country's press freedom issues. Prior to her arrest, Irangabiye had been living in Rwanda, where she operated a media company, Radio Igicaniro, known for its critical stance against the Burundian government. Irangabiye's arrest occurred two years ago when she returned to Burundi to attend a family funeral. Her imprisonment highlighted the challenges faced by journalists in the country, which ranks 108th out of 180 in the global press freedom index by Reporters Without Borders. Following her release, her family revealed that she and her legal team had appealed directly to President Évariste Ndayishimiye for her freedom. Local human rights organizations have cautiously welcomed the news of Irangabiye's pardon but are calling for broader reforms. ACAT Burundi emphasized the need for justice and human rights to be upheld for all individuals, while FORSC pointed out that many political prisoners remain incarcerated under similar circumstances. Among them is journalist Sandra Muhoza, who faces charges akin to those that led to Irangabiye's imprisonment, underscoring ongoing concerns about press freedom in Burundi.