A Burundian journalist’s appeal hearing was postponed Tuesday due to a lack of fuel to transport her from prison.
Sandra Muhoza, of La Nova Burundi, was scheduled to appeal her conviction for “undermining the integrity of the national territory” and “discrediting the country’s image.”
The charges stem from a private WhatsApp message regarding alleged government weapon distributions.
Muhoza is imprisoned at Mpimba central prison near Bujumbura.
A relative, speaking anonymously, stated the Bujumbura Court of Appeal president cited fuel scarcity as the reason for the indefinite postponement.
A judicial source confirmed the fuel shortage’s frequent disruption of trials.
Burundi, reliant on fuel imports, faces widespread shortages. Muhoza’s appeal was previously delayed on March 5.
Her relative expressed shock at the repeated postponements and changing justifications, suggesting intentional delays to isolate and weaken her.
Muhoza’s April arrest by the National Intelligence Service led to a December sentencing.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemned the heavy sentence, linking it to election-related measures against journalists.
While President Evariste Ndayishimiye has eased isolationism, human rights concerns persist.
Burundi ranks 108th out of 180 countries in RSF’s press freedom index.