(EFJA/IFEX) – The following is a 27 February 2001 EFJA press release: Editor-in-chief released after 15 days EFJA’s president returned home from Benishangul Gumuz Administrative Region with the released journalist Journalist Befekadu Moreda, publisher and editor-in-chief of the Amharic private weekly newspaper “Tomar”, was arrested while working at his office on February 13, 2001, by […]
(EFJA/IFEX) – The following is a 27 February 2001 EFJA press release:
Editor-in-chief released after 15 days
EFJA’s president returned home from Benishangul Gumuz Administrative Region with the released journalist
Journalist Befekadu Moreda, publisher and editor-in-chief of the Amharic private weekly newspaper “Tomar”, was arrested while working at his office on February 13, 2001, by security forces who came from the Benishangul Gumuz Administrative Region (Western Ethiopia, 776 km from Addis Ababa). After a short stay in detention at the Addis Ababa Criminal Investigation Department, the journalist was taken to the Benishangul Gumuz area under escort by security personnel. After their arrival there, they left him at the region’s central prison.
After intensive and limitless appeals and pressure at the national and international level, and close follow up by EFJA President Kifle Mulat, who traveled to the region, Befekadu Moreda was released on February 27, 2001, and arrived in Addis Ababa today.
EFJA would like to thank all those who responded quickly and vigorously in this case. These efforts were a major contribution to journalist Befekadu Moreda’s release, particularly IFJ, IFEX, IPI, RSF, CPJ, ARTICLE 19, Amnesty International, local and international media, staff of VOA, D.W, the American government and Benishangul Gumuz Regional President Ato Yaregal Aysheshum, who deeply understands the chronic problems faced by the Ethiopian private press and responded quickly to our call. EFJA expresses its deep thanks for their solidarity and close co-operation.
The EFJA will soon issue a press release with further details on the case.
Executive Committee, EFJA
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
27 February 2001
