(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is an IFJ letter to Ethiopian Justice Minister Woldemichael Wolde concerning recent arrests and detentions of journalists: **Updates IFEX alerts of 8 March, 23 February and 22 January 1999, 21 October 1998** Woldemichael Wolde Minister of Justice Addis Ababa Brussels, 12 March 1999 Dear Mr Wolde The International Federation of Journalists, […]
(IFJ/IFEX) – The following is an IFJ letter to Ethiopian Justice
Minister
Woldemichael Wolde concerning recent arrests and detentions of
journalists:
**Updates IFEX alerts of 8 March, 23 February and 22 January 1999, 21
October 1998**
Woldemichael Wolde
Minister of Justice
Addis Ababa
Brussels, 12 March 1999
Dear Mr Wolde
The International Federation of Journalists, the world’s largest
journalists’ organisation representing around 450,000 journalists
worldwide,
is concerned about recent arrests and detentions in Ethiopia.
According to our information, the Federal High court in Addis ordered
the
release of journalist Alemu Tolossa on 5 February and on 16 February
because
he has paid the required amount of bail. However, Mr Tolossa is still
being
detained at the Federal Prison, a month after these orders were issued.
On 5 March, Yared Kinfe, editor-in-chief of Bezza was detained at the
Criminal Investigation Department and has not been seen since. We are
still
unable to determine the grounds for his arrest.
Tesahalenne Mengesha, editor-in-chief of Mabruk, was arrested on 5 March
and
brought before a court for failing to pay bail of 5000Birr.
On 3 March 1999 Tsegaye Ayalew and Habtamu Demise of Genenaw were
detained
on accusations of violating the Press Law, and since they have been
unable
to meet their bail they are still being detained.
When I met you in October, you stated that you only believed that 4
journalists were in prison for their journalistic activity and that you
would provide us with details of why any other journalists might be in
prison. I am still looking forward to receiving this information, and
would
also like to receive information on why the journalists mentioned above
have
been detained.
The IFJ is particularly concerned about Yared Kinfe and would ask you to
make immediate enquiries into his whereabouts and ensure that, if he is
being detained, this is done in accordance with international standards
on
detention and interrogation.
Since your office has jurisdiction in this field, we would also urge you
to
ensure that Alemu Tolossa is released from the Federal Prison forthwith,
in
accordance with the ruling of the High Court.
The IFJ continues to be concerned about the high number of journalists
in
prison in Ethiopia, and the lack of information available concerning the
grounds for their detention. We hope that you will provide us with the
information we have requested, and that you will launch the
investigations
we have asked for.
Yours sincerely
Cailin C E Mackenzie
Human Rights Officer
Appeals To
Similar appeals can be sent to:Woldemichael Wolde
Minister of Justice
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
