(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN welcomes the release of Lubaba Said on 8 January 2003, confirmation of which has just been received. Said, the former editor-in-chief of the newspaper “Tarik”, was handed down a one-year sentence on 3 April 2002 for “fabricating news that could have a negative psychological effect on members of […]
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN welcomes the release of Lubaba Said on 8 January 2003, confirmation of which has just been received.
Said, the former editor-in-chief of the newspaper “Tarik”, was handed down a one-year sentence on 3 April 2002 for “fabricating news that could have a negative psychological effect on members of the armed forces and disturb the minds of the people”. It is still unclear why she was released three months early.
International PEN notes that Tewodros Kassa, the former editor-in-chief of the weekly newspaper “Ethop”, is still serving a two-year sentence for “fabricating information that could incite people to political violence”. The charges relate to three “Ethop” articles published in 2001.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
– welcoming Said’s release
– urging them to free Kassa and drop all criminal charges against him
Appeals To
H.E. Ato Meles Zenawi
Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Office of the Prime Minister
P.O. Box 1031
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Fax: +251 1 552 020
H.E. Ato Harka Hariye
Minister of Justice
c/o National Parliament
Fax: +251 1 51 08 73 / +251 1 55 02 78 / +251 1 51 77 75
These fax numbers are somewhat temperamental. Should you have any difficulties sending faxes, both the above can be reached at: national.parliament@telecom.net.et
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
