(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 […]
(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 High Court on 31 October 2000 in connection with these three cases, for which he has completed bail formalities. Mulat does not believe that the court will issue a final decision on that date. He has noted, however, that it would be “miraculous” were the court to release him from the charges.
Mulat further notes that he is facing a fourth charge, in connection with which he appeared at the Wereda II police station, made a statement and was released on bail. It is not known when the file at the police station will be transferred to the court and when he would be expected to appear in court.
The three charges that are currently being examined by the high court were charges filed against Mulat while he was in prison.
Background Information
Mulat has highlighted the following experiences he has undergone in the process of carrying out his activities as a free press journalist:
In 1992: As chief editor of “Zena Admas” private newspaper, he was detained at the Central Investigation Department for eight days and was jailed at the Addis Ababa prison for 21 days.
In 1992: As chief editor of “Addis Admas” private newspaper, he was detained for one month, after which he was released upon payment of bail amounting to Eth. birr 10,000 (approx. US$1,227).
In 1994: As chief editor of “Ethio-Time” bilingual newspaper, he was detained for one month, after which he was released upon payment of bail amounting to Eth. birr 10,000.
In 1996/97: As editor of “Ethio-Time” bilingual newspaper, he completed a six-month prison term, after which he was released.
In 1998: As chairman of the EFJA coordinating committee, a charge was filed against him for issuing and disseminating a press statement. Mulat was detained for seven months without due process at the Central Investigation Department and Addis Ababa central prison, and was later released on bail.
