Matthias Manirakiza, the editor of the Bujumbura – based radio station Isanganiro, arrested on 29 November 2006 and detained at Mpimba Central Prison was acquitted by a Burundi Court on 3 January.
The presiding judge, Francois Naraguma, stated: "The court has received complaints by the public prosecution but declare them unfounded. Charges of breaking media law were not established, consequently the court decides to acquit Mathias Manirakiza, Serge Nibizi and Domitile Kiramvu."
Manirakiza was detained on charges of "broadcasting information which could disturb public and security order". The accusation stems from a report aired on his radio station on 29 August, on the imminent attack of the presidential palace and the residence of Hussein Rajabu, President of the ruling party, by elements of the police force. Serge Nibizi, chief editor of Radio Publique Africaine, and journalist Domitille Kiramvu were arrested on 22 November, accused of violating legislation on secret information by reporting on a coup plot case while investigations were pending. 
