(EFJA/IFEX) – Though the harrassment of journalists working in the private media in Ethiopia had decreased in recent months, it has now stepped up again. On 31 October 2001, Ato Behailu Desalegn, editor-in-chief of the local English-language weekly “Capital”, was summoned to appear at the Zone 1, Woreda 3 police station. He was charged at […]
(EFJA/IFEX) – Though the harrassment of journalists working in the private media in Ethiopia had decreased in recent months, it has now stepped up again.
On 31 October 2001, Ato Behailu Desalegn, editor-in-chief of the local English-language weekly “Capital”, was summoned to appear at the Zone 1, Woreda 3 police station. He was charged at the police station and released on bail of ETB 2000 (approx. US$230).
The charges relate to a story published in Volume 3, Issue 151 of “Capital”, dated 28 October, titled “Moha Soft Drinks Industry at Odds with Customers”. The editor-in-chief is accused of libelling the Moha Soft Drinks Industry company and causing subsequent financial losses to the company. The article was associated with Moha’s recent advertising campaign, which is said to have created a lot of controversy with customers. Moha is the local Pepsi-Cola bottling company.
EFJA strongly protests the fact that Behailu was investigated at the Woreda police station, rather than at the Central Investigation Department (Makelawi), which is responsible for investigating press-related cases. The organisation notes that this is a violation of the press law and freedom of speech.
EFJA has also learned that unknown individuals had been harassing and intimidating the newspaper via telephone and in person before Behailu was called in to the Woreda police station. EFJA believes that this kind of psychological harassment is yet another attempt to violate journalists’ right to exercise their profession and is demanding that such illegal actions be stopped immediately.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
– condemning the repressive measures aimed at the free press
– urging the government to refrain from such actions in the future
Appeals To
H.E Ato Meles Zenawi
Prime Minister
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Fax: +251 1 55 20 20H.E Ato Ali Suleyman
Minister of Justice
Fax: +251 1 55 07 22Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
