(EFJA/IFEX) – Imprisoned journalist Zemedkun Moges was released from prison on 17 November 2000. Moges, the former editor-in-chief of “Atkurot” newspaper, was thrown in prison in December 1997. The Federal High Court ordered his release mid-November, as he had put forward the required bail. BACKGROUND: Moges was sentenced to a two year prison term effective […]
(EFJA/IFEX) – Imprisoned journalist Zemedkun Moges was released from prison on 17 November 2000. Moges, the former editor-in-chief of “Atkurot” newspaper, was thrown in prison in December 1997. The Federal High Court ordered his release mid-November, as he had put forward the required bail.
BACKGROUND:
Moges was sentenced to a two year prison term effective December 1997. While he was serving the two year jail term at Addis Ababa Central Prison, which he did not complete, a new charge was instituted against him in March 1999.
Moges was accused of disseminating false information in a news item titled “General of the Defense Force could not get any rest. Members of the opposition army have concerned the Tigrai Military”. The prosecution charged Moges with violating Article 32 (1) (A) of the Penal Code, Article 10 (1) and Article 20 (1) of Press Proclamation no. 34/1985 and Article 269 (3) of the Penal Code.
The court had entitled him the right to be released on bail. However, Moges was forced to remain in prison because he was unable to produce the necessary bail for the charge that was filed against him.
Through the joint efforts of the World Press Freedom Committee (WPFC), the International Press Institute (IPI), and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the EFJA had completed all the necessary formalities to secure Moges’ release.
