Nairobi — On the first anniversary of the conviction of ailing Burundian journalist Sandra Muhoza, 127 African women journalists have written her a joint letter expressing solidarity, calling for her unconditional release, and decrying her imprisonment as robbing the public of "an important voice."
Muhoza is expected in court on December 19, a family member familiar with her case told CPJ, on condition of anonymity, citing safety concerns.
"Some of us are mothers, and we recognize how painful it must be to be separated from your family and your young children, especially as Christmas and the New Year draw near. This is a pain no parent should ever endure," said the signatories, including veteran journalists, media association heads, and newsroom leaders across the continent.
Muhoza was arrested in April 2024 over comments she made in a journalists' WhatsApp group on the alleged distribution of machetes in Burundi. On December 16, 2024, she was sentenced to 21 months in prison on charges that included "undermining the integrity of the national territory."
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In May 2025, a court of appeal ruled that Muhoza's trial had been carried out by a lower court lacking jurisdiction, effectively invalidating her conviction. Despite this, Muhoza remains behind bars and in October authorities began new judicial proceedings against her and denied her provisional release, according to court documents, reviewed by CPJ.
