CPJ joins renewed call for release of Burundi journalist Floriane Irangabiye after 1 year in prison

Nairobi, August 30, 2023—The Committee to Protect Journalists, Amnesty International, the Burundi Human Rights Initiative, and Human Rights Watch on Wednesday, August 30, renewed their call for Burundian authorities to unconditionally release journalist Floriane Irangabiye, who has been detained for a year.

Irangabiye was arrested on August 30, 2022, and is serving a 10-year prison term following a January 2023 conviction on charges of endangering the integrity of Burundi’s national territory.

In their joint statement, the organizations asserted that Irangabiye’s conviction and imprisonment for commentary aired by exiled online outlet Radio Igicaniro were “punishment for her peaceful exercise of the right to freedom of expression.” The statement also expressed concern for Irangabiye’s deteriorating health behind bars after she experienced respiratory distress in July.

“The failure to provide Irangabiye with adequate medical care is not only cruel, but a sign of the state’s ruthlessness in silencing critics,” said Muthoki Mumo, CPJ’s sub-Saharan Africa representative, in the statement. “Authorities should immediately provide her access to the necessary medical care and release her unconditionally.”

Read the statement in English and French.