Source: Ethiopian Free Press Journalists’ Association, Addis Ababa Eighteen journalists were arrested by plainclothes policemen in the first week of December 1994, reports the IFJ. The arrests are said to be part of a campaign of intimidation and harassment of journalists of the independent weeklies in Addis Ababa by security agents of the transitional government […]
Source: Ethiopian Free Press Journalists’ Association, Addis
Ababa
Eighteen journalists were arrested by plainclothes policemen in
the first week of December 1994, reports the IFJ. The arrests are
said to be part of a campaign of intimidation and harassment of
journalists of the independent weeklies in Addis Ababa by
security agents of the transitional government of Ethiopia, in an
effort to stifle the expression of critical opinions. The 18
journalists were taken by plainclothes policemen from their
offices without any court warrant and were detained in various
police and Ma’Iklawi prisons for a number of days. Some of them
were released the same day after questioning, while the majority
were kept in detention from one day to over a month without
charge.
Getahun Bekele, editor-in-chief of “Tarik”, was charged with
contempt of court, fined 500 Birr, and sentenced to 6 months in
prison because he was unable to pay the fine.
Terefe Mengesha, editor-in-chief of “Roha”, was charged with
disseminating “false information and inciting the public” in
connection with an alleged armed conflict in Condar, and was
sentenced to one year in jail.
The following remained in detention (as of 13 February) without
charge:
Israel Saboqa, editor-in-chief of “Seife Nebelbal”
Zegeye Haile, editor-in-chief of “Lalibella”
Aklilu Tadesse, editor-in-chief of “Andebet”
Sissay Agena, editor-in-chief of “Etiop”
Iyob Demeke, publisher of “Tarik”
Garuma Bekele, deputy editor-in-chief of “Urgi”
Getamessay G/Meskei, publisher of “Dagnew”
Tedros Kebede, on the editorial staff of “Roha”
Tesehalene Mengesha, editor-in-chief of “Hanos”
The following were released on bail:
Tesfaye Deressa, editor-in-chief of “Urgi”
Bekeli Mekonen, managing editor-in-chief of “Urgi”
Dagnachew Yilma, who worked on computer service at “Dubtec”
Worku Alemayehu, editor-in-chief of “Mebraq”
Biruk Dominique, publisher of “Rohama”
The following were released without bail:
Biruk Mekonnen, on the editorial staff at “Beza”
Mesfin Shiferaw, on the editorial staff at “Beza”
Birehannu Mekonnen, news vendor at “Dubtec” during the raid
Wondeimeneh Nigussie, news vendor at “Dubtec”
Getachew Bekele, a visitor at “Tomar” during the raid
Yohannes Adane, a visitor at “Tomar” during the raid
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
Please send appeals to the Ethiopian authorities:
-seeking clarification on the present situation of the
journalists who are reported to be held in detention
-expressing concern at the detentions of the journalists, who
appear to have been detained for exercising their right to
freedom of expression
-asking that any journalists who remain in detention be released
immediately and that the charges against them be dropped
-urging that they do everything in their power to ensure that
journalists not be subjected to intimidation and be allowed to
work freely and unhindered
Appeals To
Mr. Hassan Shiffa
Coordinator of Police and Prison Administration
Ministry of Internal Affairs
PO Box 5721
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Fax: +251 1 552020 (or 514300, 511244 or 514042, via Minister of
Foreign Affairs)
Minister Mahteme Solomon
Minister of Justice
PO Box 1370
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Fax : +251 1 550722
