(IPI/IFEX) – The following is an IPI press release: Vienna, 14 July 2004 Crucial Time for Ethiopian Press Freedom, Says IPI Report In a report titled, “Ethiopia: Press Freedom at the Crossroads”, the International Press Institute (IPI) provides an assessment of the current press freedom situation in Ethiopia. Based on discussions with journalists, members of […]
(IPI/IFEX) – The following is an IPI press release:
Vienna, 14 July 2004
Crucial Time for Ethiopian Press Freedom, Says IPI Report
In a report titled, “Ethiopia: Press Freedom at the Crossroads”, the International Press Institute (IPI) provides an assessment of the current press freedom situation in Ethiopia.
Based on discussions with journalists, members of civil society and the Ethiopian government, held in May 2004, the report sets out a number of important recommendations for the government, if it is to introduce a genuine press freedom environment in the country.
With regard to the current situation, the report says, “The Ethiopian government stands at an important crossroads in its relationship with the media. Down one road lies the opportunity, through the press law, to exert greater control over journalists, the private media and, indeed, what is said and thought in the country; while, down the other road, lies an opportunity to form a relationship with the media that not only encourages and supports freedom of expression but also enhances the work of the present government in so many other areas of democracy in Ethiopia. The present challenge for the government is deciding which path to choose.”
Speaking of the report, IPI Director, Johann P. Fritz said, “It is clear that with the decision on the introduction of the new press law about to be made and elections in 2005, the Ethiopian media are entering a crucial period in their existence.”
“Decisions made now will have a tremendous impact on both the media’s future, and the Ethiopian government’s claim that the country is an emerging democracy. If this claim is not to be undermined there needs to be a complete transformation of the way the government views the media.”
To read the IPI report, please visit http://www.freemedia.at or contact the IPI Secretariat.
