(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) – 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 1997. While Moges was serving the two year jail term at Addis Ababa Central Prison, which he did not complete, a new charge was instituted against him in March 1999.
Moges was accused of disseminating false information in a news item titled “General of the Defense Force could not get any rest. Members of the opposition army have concerned the Tigrai Military”. The prosecution charged Moges with violating Article 32 (1) (A) of the Penal Code, Article 10 (1) and Article 20 (1) of Press Proclamation no. 34/1985 and Article 269 (3) of the Penal Code.
The court had entitled him the right to be released on bail. However, Moges was forced to remain in prison because he was unable to produce the necessary bail for the charge that was filed against him.
Through the joint efforts of the World Press Freedom Committee (WPFC), the International Press Institute (IPI), and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the EFJA has completed all the necessary formalities to secure Moges’ release.
In a written order dated 3 November 2000, addressed to the Federal prison, the Federal High Court ordered Moges be released because he put forward the bail money. The court case continues. However, as of 14 November, Moges has still not been released.
The EFJA has taken this opportunity to express its deep appreciation to IPI, WPFC, IFJ, IFEX, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the Taiwanese Journalists’ Association for their efforts in this direction.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
– calling for Moges’ unconditional and immediate release
Appeals To
APPEALS TO:
H.E. Ato Meles Zenawi
Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Fax: +251 1 552 020
H.E. Ato Woredewold Wolde
Minister of Justice
Fax: +251 1 55 07 22
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
