(IPI/IFEX) – The following is an IPI press release: Press Release (For immediate release) 19 May 1999 IPI World Congress and 48th General Assembly Ethiopian journalists win IPI Free Media Pioneer Award The Ethiopian Free Press Journalists’ Association (EFJA) was awarded the International Press Institute’s annual Free Media Pioneer Award today in Taipei in recognition […]
(IPI/IFEX) – The following is an IPI press release:
Press Release
(For immediate release)
19 May 1999
IPI World Congress and 48th General Assembly
Ethiopian journalists win IPI Free Media Pioneer Award
The Ethiopian Free Press Journalists’ Association (EFJA) was awarded the
International Press Institute’s annual Free Media Pioneer Award today in
Taipei in recognition of their struggle to promote press freedom and improve
the standards of journalism in Ethiopia.
Between 1993-1998, over 200 Ethiopian journalists each spent more than three
months in prison for practising their profession. 12 journalists remain
behind bars. Since its inception in 1993, “EFJA became the target of state
repression,” Kifle Mulat, President of the EFJA, said in accepting the
award. “Its members became victims of constant harassment, intimidation,
detention, arbitrary arrests and fines. In the process several EFJA members
have lost their lives.”
In presenting the award, Wilfred Kiboro, Managing Director and CEO of The
Nation, Kenya, and IPI Board Member, said: “The EFJA serves as a beacon of
hope in our continent, where sadly democratic principles and observance of
human rights by many governments is still a dream.”
