(WAN/IFEX) – In a 27 October 1999 letter to Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, WAN expressed its serious concern at the continued imprisonment of at least eight Ethiopian journalists. **Updates IFEX alerts of 7 July and 7 June 1999, 19 November, 29 October and 21 October 1998, 13 November 1997 and others** According to reports, at […]
(WAN/IFEX) – In a 27 October 1999 letter to Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, WAN
expressed its serious concern at the continued imprisonment of at least
eight Ethiopian journalists.
**Updates IFEX alerts of 7 July and 7 June 1999, 19 November, 29 October and
21 October 1998, 13 November 1997 and others**
According to reports, at least eight journalists remain in Ethiopian jails
seven years after the passing of the press law on 22 October 1992. The
following journalists are currently being held on charges of “threatening
state security” or “defamation”: Tesfaye Dressa, Solomon Nemera and Garuma
Bekele of Urgi; Abera Wegui and Tilahun Bekele of Maebel; Tamerat Gemeda of
Seyfe Nebelbal; Zemedkun Moges of Atkourot; and Bezunesh Debebe of Zegabi.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the prime minister:
clear breach of their right to freedom of expression, which is guaranteed by
numerous international conventions
considers that “detention, as punishment for the peaceful expression of an
opinion, is one of the most reprehensible ways to enjoin silence and, as a
consequence, a grave violation of human rights”
held in Ethiopian jails are immediately released
press law is repealed and replaced by legislation which fully respects
international norms of free expression
Appeals To
His Excellency Meles Zenawi
Prime Minister
Office of the Prime Minister
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
c/o Ambassador to Britain
Fax: +584 7054
Please copy appeals to WAN.
