Burundi released journalist Floriane Irangabiye on Friday after she was sentenced to 10 years in prison for allegedly “undermining the integrity of the national territory.” Irangabiye, 36, was arrested in August 2022 while visiting family and sentenced in January 2023, drawing international condemnation.
“I am very happy to be reunited with my family,” Irangabiye told reporters outside Muyinga prison following her release.
President Evariste Ndayishimiye issued a decree on Thursday granting Irangabiye a “presidential pardon,” resulting in a “total remission of sentences.”
Human rights group ACAT Burundi welcomed the decision, calling Irangabiye’s imprisonment “illegal and unjustified” and urging further releases of those wrongfully imprisoned.
Reporters Without Borders expressed relief at Irangabiye’s release but emphasized she “should never have been arrested or spent so much time behind bars.” They called on Burundian authorities to safeguard press freedom and protect journalists from reprisals.
Irangabiye’s case, which sparked global criticism, involved her work at Radio Igicaniro and her participation in a show with critics of the Burundian government. Prior to her arrest, she had lived in Rwanda for a decade. Amnesty International had raised concerns about her deteriorating health while in detention.
Burundi, ranked 108th out of 180 countries for press freedom, continues to face challenges despite President Ndayishimiye’s efforts to end the country’s isolation from the international community.
