(EFJA/IFEX) – On 20 March 2002, “Ethiop” newspaper editor-in-chief Melese Shine appeared before the Federal High Court’s Fifth Criminal Bench on charges of “violating the Press Proclamation”. He was denied bail and remanded in custody at the Wereda 4 Police Station. He is scheduled to appear in court on 26 March. The court filed two […]
(EFJA/IFEX) – On 20 March 2002, “Ethiop” newspaper editor-in-chief Melese Shine appeared before the Federal High Court’s Fifth Criminal Bench on charges of “violating the Press Proclamation”. He was denied bail and remanded in custody at the Wereda 4 Police Station. He is scheduled to appear in court on 26 March.
The court filed two charges against Melese for publishing two articles in “Ethiop” newspaper (vol. 2 017/93, p. 7). The articles were titled “Who is Meles Zenawi” and “Overthrow of power through the gun will continue” (an interview conducted with the leader of an opposition party).
Melese is charged with “publishing and disseminating information in the newspaper that defames and negatively affects the status of the head of government”. He is also charged with “publishing an illegal article in collaboration with an outlaw”.
Melese is also fighting another court case for which he was released on bail of 10,000 birr (approx. US$1,200). The case is before the Federal High Court’s Fifth Criminal Bench. In addition, Melese has been ordered to appear before the Federal High Court’s Third Criminal Bench on 1 April for a third criminal charge being filed against him.
The journalist was not granted bail at the prosecutor’s request. The country’s prisons and police stations were freed of imprisoned journalists only in the last two weeks. At present, however, the government seems to have resumed its crackdown on and harassment of journalists.
EFJA is deeply concerned over these recent developments and is struggling to ensure that its members’ constitutional rights are respected. EFJA denounces all violations of the right to freedom of expression, contraventions of international conventions and infringements on citizens’ rights.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
– condemning the ongoing harassment of Ethiopian journalists, which poses a serious challenge to their ability to carry out their professional duties freely
– calling on them to take immediate measures to eliminate the intimidation and harassment of journalists
Appeals To
H.E. Ato Meles Zenawi
Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
c/o National Parliament
Fax: +251 1 55 20 20
E-mail: national.parliament@telecom.net.et
H.E. Ato Siyum Mesfin
Minister of Foreign Affairs
c/o National Parliament
Fax: +251 1 51 43 00
E-mail: national.parliament@telecom.net.et
H.E. Ato Ali Suleyman
Minister of Justice
c/o National Parliament
Fax: +251 1 51 08 73
E-mail: national.parliament@telecom.net.et
H.E. Ato Bereket Simon
Minister of Information
c/o National Parliament
Fax: +251 1 55 07 22
E-mail: national.parliament@telecom.net.et
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
