(EFJA/IFEX) – On 8 November 2000, Melese Shine, editor-in-chief of “Ethiop” newspaper, appeared at the Fifth Criminal Bench of the Federal High Court. Melese was charged with violating Article 10/20/1 of Press Proclamation no. 34/1985 and Article 480 (b) of the Penal Code. His case has been adjourned to October 2001, when the evidence to […]
(EFJA/IFEX) – On 8 November 2000, Melese Shine, editor-in-chief of “Ethiop” newspaper, appeared at the Fifth Criminal Bench of the Federal High Court. Melese was charged with violating Article 10/20/1 of Press Proclamation no. 34/1985 and Article 480 (b) of the Penal Code. His case has been adjourned to October 2001, when the evidence to be produced by the prosecutor will be heard. Melese was required to produce bail amounting to Birr 10,000 (approx. US$1,200). As he was unable to produce this amount, Melese was taken to prison. The court ordered that he remain in prison if he is unable to produce the bail money.
The details of the charges filed by the prosecutor against Melese are as follows: “The editor-in-chief has, in ‘Ethiop’ newspaper, sixth year Meskerem 25, 1992 Eth. Cal {Sept. 2000}, published an article titled ‘Eritrean opposition forces are receiving training in areas of Rama and Assayita’. The article said that Ethiopia is, as a retaliatory measure, organizing Eritrean opposition forces. By so doing, the editor-in-chief has disseminated false information at the national level that endangers national security”.
Lately, the Federal High Court had drastically reduced the amount of bail money required from journalists who have been charged with “violating the press law and the Penal Code”. Thus, the Federal High Court’s decision requiring Melese to produce bail money amounting to Eth. Birr 10,000 is surprising. This development greatly worries EFJA. Editor-in-chief Melese is not in a position to produce such an amount of bail money. He would therefore be forced to remain in jail for the coming two years. Furthermore, EFJA is in no position whatsoever to pay the required bail money.
The EFJA calls on all international press institutions and counterpart professional associations to extend their support to secure Melese’s release.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
– expressing your concern over the amount of bail money required from Melese
Appeals To
APPEALS TO:
H.E. Ato Meles Zenawi
Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Fax: +251 1 552 020
H.E. Ato Woredewold Wolde
Minister of Justice
Fax: +251 1 550 722
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
