The public prosecutor requested Tuesday a 12-year prison sentence and the payment of a fine of one million Burundi francs against journalist Sandra Muhoza. Her lawyers continue to proclaim her innocence and demand her release. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

Sandra Muhoza appeared on Tuesday before judges of the Mukaza Court in the center of the commercial city of Bujumbura. She was assisted by one of her two lawyers, lawyer Éric Ntibandetse.

After the hearing, lawyer Ntibandetse revealed to reporters from the local press, the sentence that was requested by the public prosecutor.

« The public prosecutor has asked the Court to sentence Sandra Muhoza to 12 years of penal servitude with a fine of one million Burundi francs, » he said.

Sandra Muhoza is prosecuted for « attacking the integrity of the national territory and racial aversion ».

Lawyer Éric Ntibandetse indicated that his client is innocent and demanded her release « due to lack of evidence on the side of the public prosecutor ».