Ethiopian Free Press Journalists Association

(EFJA/IFEX) – Three leading Ethiopian journalists have fled the country and taken refuge in neighbouring Kenya. Garuma Bekele, Tesfaye Deressa and Solomon Nemera, all three of whom used to work for the Amharic newspaper “Urji”, had been in custody since October 1997, when they were arrested. Speaking to the Media for Democracy in Africa coordinator […]

(EFJA/IFEX) – On 6 July 2001, editor-in-chief Berhan Hailu of “Wogahta”, the only private Tigrigna weekly newspaper, was arrested at the Central Investigation Department after making statements to the police. Hailu is not entitled to bail. (Source: “Wogahta”, Addis Ababa) Recommended Action Send appeals to authorities: – protesting such illegal actions Appeals To H.E Ato […]

(EFJA/IFEX) – Editors-in-chief Merid Zelleke of “Satanaw” and Mengistu Wolde Selassie of “Moged” were among several editors-in-chief of private newspapers who were ordered to report to the Central Investigation Department. Both were detained after making statements to the police and were not entitled to bail. On 4 July 2001, the editor-in-chief of “Dagim Wonchif”, Leyikun […]

(EFJA/IFEX) – The editor-in-chief of weekly sports newspaper “Kicker”, Yoftahe Tsegaye, has been sentenced to one month in prison. The editor-in-chief was charged by the Federal High Court with “publishing and distributing a newspaper without renewing his press licence.” The decision was handed down on 26 June 2001 by the Third Criminal Bench of the […]

(EFJA/IFEX) – On 10 May 2001, a court ordered the release of three journalists who used to work for “Urji” newspaper. Garoma Bekele, Tesfaye Deressa and Solomon Nemera are to be released after three years’ imprisonment. The three journalists, who were accused of engaging in terrorist activities, were fighting their cases in court while in […]

(EFJA/IFEX) – Over the past years, free press newspaper and magazines have made important contributions in terms of providing information to the public and raising the public’s level of awareness on issues. Moreover they have been serving as platforms for the exchange of ideas and views. These contributions have had a positive impact on the […]

(EFJA/IFEX) – One of Ethiopia’s most popular newspapers has been closed down. “Eletawi Addis” had only been in circulation for eight months, but rapidly became one of the most respected newspapers in the country. The closure followed a dispute between the newspaper’s editor and owner over the reporting of a dispute within Ethiopia’s main political […]

(EFJA/IFEX) – The following is a 27 February 2001 EFJA press release: Editor-in-chief released after 15 days EFJA’s president returned home from Benishangul Gumuz Administrative Region with the released journalist Journalist Befekadu Moreda, publisher and editor-in-chief of the Amharic private weekly newspaper “Tomar”, was arrested while working at his office on February 13, 2001, by […]

The following is an EFJA press release: 15 December 2000 Two editors-in-chief of private press newspapers have fled their country Israel Sboka, publisher and editor-in-chief of the weekly “Seife nebelhal”, and Samson Seyoum, former editor-in-chief of the weekly “Goh” and current reporter for “Ethio Time”, have fled Ethiopia and taken refuge in a neighbouring country. […]

(EFJA/IFEX) – On 12 and 13 December 2000, acting editor-in-chief of “Ethio-Time” newspaper Shimellis Asfaw and President of EFJA Kifle Mulat were ordered by telephone to report to the Central Investigation Department (CID). This week, Mulat is involved in several important projects, including hosting Jon Lunn, researcher with ARTICLE 19’s Africa programme, and preparing for […]

(EFJA/IFEX) – Zegeye Haile, the vice president of the EFJA, and publisher of “Genanaw” newspaper, was arrested on 23 November 2000, by the Central Investigations Department (CID). The EFJA tried to make contact with him and with CID officials, but found it impossible to reach any of them. During the past week, the editors-in-chief of […]

(EFJA/IFEX) – Imprisoned journalist Zemedkun Moges was released from prison on 17 November 2000. Moges, the former editor-in-chief of “Atkurot” newspaper, was thrown in prison in December 1997. The Federal High Court ordered his release mid-November, as he had put forward the required bail. BACKGROUND: Moges was sentenced to a two year prison term effective […]

(EFJA/IFEX) – On 8 November 2000, Melese Shine, editor-in-chief of “Ethiop” newspaper, appeared at the Fifth Criminal Bench of the Federal High Court. Melese was charged with violating Article 10/20/1 of Press Proclamation no. 34/1985 and Article 480 (b) of the Penal Code. His case has been adjourned to October 2001, when the evidence to […]

(EFJA/IFEX) – An additional charge has been filed against a member of the free press who is currently in jail. On 2 June 2000, the Federal High Court sentenced Tewodros Kassa, former editor-in-chief of “Ethiop” newspaper, to a one year prison term or payment of a fine of Birr 15,000 (approx. US$1,800), after the court […]

(EFJA/IFEX) – The Federal High Court has ordered that a journalist who was thrown in prison in December 1997 be released, as he has put forward the required bail. However, to date, the journalist has not been released. Zemedkun Moges, former editor-in-chief of “Atkurot” newspaper, was sentenced to a two year prison term effective December […]

(EFJA/IFEX) – Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of “Ethio-Time” newspaper and President of the EFJA Kifle Mulat is currently facing three charges, which were filed against him by the Prosecutor’s Office and are currently being examined by the First Criminal Bench of the Federal High Court. Mulat will appear at the First Criminal Bench of the Federal […]