Ethiopia: Journalists ordered to report within 24 hours
As may be recalled, state repressive measures against the Ethiopian free press journalists has markedly subsided over the past several months. At present, however, the government seems to have resumed the repression once again. The Ethiopian Free press Journalists' Association (EFJA) has been quite worried about these recent unwelcome developments.
Following are 2 EFJA statements expressing concern over the summoning and
eventual arrest of a number of journalists in Ethiopia.
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Ethiopia- Journalists ordered to report within 24 hours
1 June, 2005
ALERT- ETHIOPIA
A new wave of harassing free press journalists is reappearing!
As may be recalled, state repressive measures against the Ethiopian free
press journalists has markedly subsided over the past several months. At
present, however, the government seems to have resumed the repression once
again.
A new wave of harassing journalists, who are responsible in reporting news
for the free press, is reappearing as of today (June 1, 2005).
1. Zelalem Gebre, Editor in-Chief of Menilik newspaper
2. Serkalem Fassil, Deputy Editor in-Chief of Menilik newspaper
3. Abiye Gizaw, Editor in-Chief of Netsanet newspaper
4. Dereje Habtewold, Deputy Editor in-Chief of Netsanet newspaper
5. Mesfin Tesfaye Editor in-Chief of Abay newspaper
6. Fekadu Indrias, Deputy Editor in-Chief of Abay newspaper
received today June 1/2005 a written order from the Federal Central
Investigation Office to report to the police on 2 June, 2005 tommorow. It is
not known whether they would be entitled to bail rights after they make
statements to the police.
The Ethiopian Free press Journalists' Association (EFJA) has been quite
worried about these recent unwelcome developments.
The Ethiopian Free Press Journalists' Association (EFJA)
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Ethiopia- Journalists Under Threat
2 June, 2005
Latest development
Eight free press journalists are under arrest:
1. Zelalem Gebre, Editor in-Chief of Menilik newspaper
2. Serkalem Fassil, Deputy Editor in-Chief of Menilik newspaper
3. Abiye Gizaw, Editor in-Chief of Netsanet newspaper
4. Dereje Habtewold, Deputy Editor in-Chief of Netsanet newspaper
5. Mesfin Tesfaye Editor in-Chief of Abay newspaper
6. Fekadu Indrias, Deputy Editor in-Chief of Abay newspaper
7. Fassil Yenalem Editor in-Chief of Addis Zena newspaper
8. Simret G/Mariam, Deputy Editor in-Chief of Addis Zena news paper.
We call on all the Ethiopian people, international press institutions of
which EFJA is a member and international friends of the free press to
closely follow the great danger hovering over the free press and the
measures that could be taken to challenge its very existence.
The Ethiopian Free press Journalists' Association (EFJA) calls on all its
members, who should without being disturbed by undemocratic measures and
threats, to continue to fulfill their obligation of informing and
enlightening the public in accordance with the law and their professional
Code of Ethics.
The Ethiopian Free Press Journalists' Association (EFJA)
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Kifle Mulat
President, EFJA
2 June, 2005
Tel, Fax: + 251 1 22 21 07/ +251 1 18 26 20
Mobile: + 251 9 22 29 39
e-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
The Ethiopian Free Press Journalists' Association (EFJA) would keep you all
informed on the latest developments on this and other matters.