Burundian Journalist Walks Free After Two Years in Prison Over WhatsApp Messages
Ngozi, 16 April 2026
Sandra Muhoza’s release following a controversial racial hatred conviction highlights the precarious state of press freedom in East Africa, where journalists face imprisonment for digital communications and political reporting.
Court Delivers Mixed Verdict After Prolonged Legal Battle
On 14 April 2026, the Ngozi Court of Appeal delivered a partial acquittal for Sandra Muhoza, sentencing her to six months for ‘racial hatred’ whilst acquitting her of the more serious charge of ‘undermining national unity’ [1]. The journalist was immediately released as she had already served the six-month sentence during her prolonged detention [1]. Her lawyer, Rémy Nsabimana, confirmed that ‘she has completed her sentence’ and that ‘all charges have been dropped’ [1]. The case stems from Muhoza’s arrest on 13 April 2024 in Ngozi for sharing information about alleged weapon distribution within the ruling CNDD-FDD party [1].
Tumultuous Journey Through Burundi’s Court System
Muhoza’s legal ordeal has been marked by multiple court proceedings and contradictory sentences over nearly two years. Initially sentenced to 21 months by the Mukaza Court of First Instance in Bujumbura in December 2024, the case was subsequently dismissed in June 2025 before being reopened in Ngozi [1]. In a troubling development, she received a four-year sentence in a second proceeding in January 2026, which was widely criticised by international observers [1]. After spending over 600 days in detention, Muhoza was provisionally released in early March 2026, just weeks before the final court decision [1].
International Condemnation of ‘Empty Case’
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) issued a statement on 13 April 2026, expressing relief at the outcome whilst strongly criticising the judicial process [1]. Sadibou Marong, director of RSF’s Sub-Saharan Africa desk, described the court proceedings as ‘an empty case’ and stated that Muhoza ‘should never have spent a single day in prison’ [1]. The international press freedom organisation believes her detention was designed to bring ‘the rest of the journalistic profession into line’ [1]. The case has drawn particular attention because it involved prosecution over WhatsApp messages, highlighting concerns about digital communications and press freedom in the digital age [2].
Broader Implications for Regional Press Freedom
Muhoza’s case reflects wider challenges facing journalists across East Africa, particularly those reporting on sensitive political matters. Her prosecution demonstrates how digital communications have become new battlegrounds for press freedom, with authorities increasingly monitoring and prosecuting journalists for private messages and social media content [2]. The prolonged detention and multiple court proceedings also illustrate the judicial harassment tactics employed against media professionals in the region [GPT]. Unfortunately, Muhoza is not alone in facing such treatment - fellow journalist Didier Ndihokubwayo, a former Radio Maria journalist, remains detained in Bujumbura’s central prison since December 2024 for ‘illegal possession of weapons’ and has been sentenced to three years [1]. For refugee communities who have fled Burundi due to such repressive conditions, these developments underscore the ongoing political instability that prevents safe return to their homeland [GPT].