(EFJA/IFEX) – EFJA is expressing concern over the alarming increase in the harassment of journalists, who have been summoned to the Central Investigation Office and often sentenced to jail terms by the government. Tilahun Bekele, former editor-in-chief of “Maebel” newspaper and current editor-in-chief of “Netsebrak” newspaper, was sentenced to a one year jail term for […]
(EFJA/IFEX) – EFJA is expressing concern over the alarming increase in the harassment of journalists, who have been summoned to the Central Investigation Office and often sentenced to jail terms by the government.
Tilahun Bekele, former editor-in-chief of “Maebel” newspaper and current editor-in-chief of “Netsebrak” newspaper, was sentenced to a one year jail term for an article published in October 1996. During its 26 November 2001 session, the court released Bekele, taking into consideration the fact that he had been imprisoned for more than two years because he was unable to pay the bail required in the cases against him.
EFJA is also concerned about the deterioration of jailed journalist Tamrat Zuma’s health. According to his family members, Zuma, publisher and editor-in-chief of “Atkort” newspaper, suffers from hypertension. Zuma has been behind bars for the last nine months as he is unable to pay bail of 15,000 birr (approx. US$1,875).
EFJA has learned that more than a dozen journalists have recently been summoned to the Central Investigation Office (Makelawi) and notified that different press charges have been filed against them.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
– protesting the arrests of journalists on the pretext of safeguarding the democratisation process
– requesting Zuma’s immediate release so that he can receive the necessary medical treatment
Appeals To
H. E. Ato Meles Zenawi
Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
c/o National Parliament
Fax: +251 1 55 20 20
E-mail: national.parliament@telecom.net.et
H.E. Ato Siyum Mesfin
Minister of Foreign Affairs
c/o National Parliament
Fax: +251 1 51 43 00
E-mail: national.parliament@telecom.net.et
H.E. Ato Ali Suleyman
Minister of Justice
c/o National Parliament
Fax: +251 1 51 08 73
E-mail: national.parliament@telecom.net.et
H.E. Ato Bereket Simon
Minister of Information
c/o National Parliament
Fax: +251 1 55 07 22
E-mail: national.parliament@telecom.net.et
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
