The Burundian justice system delivered its verdict on Wednesday, January 14: Sandra Muhoza , a journalist for the online media outlet La Nova Burundi , was sentenced to four years in prison . This decision has sparked outrage among her family and press freedom organizations.

A verdict contested by the defense

Initially, the prosecution had requested a twelve-year prison sentence. The Ngozi court ultimately upheld two main charges:

1. Violation of the integrity of the national territory.
2. Racial aversion.

His lawyers, who have announced their intention to appeal, denounce an "unfair and erratic" judicial process.

The origin of the case: a WhatsApp message

According to the NGO Reporters Without Borders (RSF) , the charges are based on information shared by the journalist in a private WhatsApp group. In it, she mentioned an alleged distribution of weapons by the government .

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the "very harsh sentence" based on "fabricated charges," asserting that this conviction proves the authorities' intention to criminalize journalism. The organization also notes that Sandra Muhoza is currently the only female journalist arbitrarily detained in sub-Saharan Africa .

A worrying state of health

Concern is growing about the journalist's physical condition:

1. Pathology: She is believed to be suffering from a herniated disc.
2. General condition: During her hearing on December 19, she appeared very weak, moving around with a crutch.
3. Access to care: His relatives accuse the prison administration of refusing him a transfer to a hospital to receive appropriate care.

Reminder of the procedure

The case saw several legal twists and turns before this verdict:

1. End of 2024: Initial sentence of 21 months in prison by the court of Mukaza (Bujumbura).
2. May 2025: This decision was overturned by the Bujumbura Court of Appeal.
3. January 2026: New trial and conviction by the court in Ngozi, the alleged location of the offence.