Ethiopia: Government intervention in press association condemned
The Ethiopian Ministry of Justice last Sunday appointed a so-called "new Executive Committee" for the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists' Association (EFJA). "The ministry's action is undemocratic and has no legal basis. We therefore urge international press institutions of which EFJA is a member, press organisations, human rights activists, professional associations, civic associations and concerned individuals to strongly condemn this action which contravenes EFJA members' legitimate rights," said the EFJA.
IFEX - News from the international freedom of expression community
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PRESS RELEASE/UPDATE - ETHIOPIA
19 January 2004
EFJA condemns Ministry of Justice's appointment of a new executive committee
for the organisation
SOURCE: Ethiopian Free Press Journalists' Association (EFJA), Addis Ababa
**Updates IFEX alerts of 5, 4 and 2 December, 12, 10 and 5 November 2003**
(EFJA/IFEX) - The following is an 18 January 2004 EFJA press release:
EFJA condemns Ethiopian Ministry of Justice's so-called appointment of "new
Executive Committee"
EFJA calls on international press institutions to strongly condemn this
action
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Jan. 18 -- On Sunday, 18 January 2004, the Ethiopian
Ministry of Justice appointed a so-called "new Executive Committee" for
EFJA. The ministry's action is undemocratic and has no legal basis. We
therefore urge international press institutions of which EFJA is a member,
press organisations, human rights activists, professional associations,
civic associations and concerned individuals to strongly condemn this action
which contravenes EFJA members' legitimate rights.
In addition, we call on the Ethiopian people, press institutions and
professional associations throughout the world to closely follow the
situation and strongly condemn activities that are being carried out under a
pretence of acting on behalf of the Executive Committee elected by EFJA,
which was bestowed with responsibility for the organisation.
EFJA condemns all actions that result in violations of freedom of
expression, citizens' basic rights and the principles stipulated in
international conventions. The organisation will continue to fight against
these violations. We are convinced that the Ethiopian people, pro-democracy
forces and the international community will support and share our views and
join our struggle.
Kifle Mulat
President, EFJA
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
18 January 2004
For further information, contact Kifle Mulat, President, EFJA, P.O. Box
31317, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, tel/fax: +251 1 55 50 21, mobile: +251 1 (09)
222 939, e-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
The information contained in this press release/update is the sole
responsibility of EFJA. In citing this material for broadcast or
publication, please credit EFJA.
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