Floriane Irangabiye, a talk-show host who was serving a 10-year prison sentence for undermining Burundi’s national integrity, has been officially pardoned, bringing joy and relief to her and her family. Irangabiye, who ran a media company that regularly criticized the Burundian government, expressed her happiness at the news of her pardon from Bubanza Jail.
In a text message to the BBC, Irangabiye shared her overwhelming emotions, stating, “To think that I will be able to move freely after nearly two years in jail makes today an extraordinary day in my life, my children, and all my family.” Her release comes after she and her lawyers wrote letters to President Évariste Ndayishimiye requesting her pardon, citing her deteriorating health condition while in prison.
Burundi has faced criticism for its poor record on press freedom, ranking 108th out of 180 countries on the latest global index by Reporters Without Borders. Irangabiye’s case highlights the challenges faced by journalists in the country, with rights groups urging the government to release other unjustly imprisoned individuals.
While Irangabiye’s pardon has been welcomed by many, there are concerns about the continued detention of other political prisoners, including journalist Sandra Muhoza. Despite some reforms under President Ndayishimiye, analysts suggest that more progress is needed to address human rights violations in Burundi.
As Irangabiye prepares to be freed later on Friday, her story serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for press freedom and human rights in the East African nation.
