(EFJA/IFEX) – The following is a 7 November 2001 press release: New wave of harassment against journalists Repressive state measures against journalists working for the Ethiopian free press have subsided markedly over the past several months. At present, however, the government seems to have resumed the repression. On 1 November 2001, a new wave of […]
(EFJA/IFEX) – The following is a 7 November 2001 press release:
New wave of harassment against journalists
Repressive state measures against journalists working for the Ethiopian free press have subsided markedly over the past several months. At present, however, the government seems to have resumed the repression.
On 1 November 2001, a new wave of harassment began against journalists who are responsible for reporting news in the free press. The EFJA is very concerned about this recent unwelcome development.
Starting on 1 November, EFJA received different complaints from journalists who were approached by the Federal Police and Central Investigation Office (Makelawi). Those journalists, already released on bail from Makelawi, were told that their press charges were being forwarded to the courts.
1. Yohannes Abebe, publisher and editor-in-chief of Gohe/Moresh newspaper and magazine, was summoned and told that six new press charges were filed against him at several Criminal Benches of the Federal High Court.
2. Arega Wolde-Kirkos, deputy editor-in-chief, was summoned and told by the Central Investigation Office (Makelawi) that new press charges were filed against him at the Third Criminal Bench of the Federal High Court.
3. Leykun Engida, publisher and editor-in-chief of Dagim Wonchif newspaper, was summoned and told by the Central Investigation Office (Makelawi) that new press charges were filed against him at the Fourth Criminal Bench of the Federal High Court.
4. Melese Shine, editor-in-chief of Ethop newspaper and magazine, was summoned and told by the Central Investigation Office (Makelawi) that a new press charge was filed against him at the Fifth Criminal Bench of the Federal High Court.
5. Tilahun Bekele, editor-in-chief of “Netsebrak” private newspaper, received a written order from the Addis Ababa Police Criminal Investigation to report to the police on 6 November 2001. It is not known if he was entitled to bail after giving his statement to the police.
6. Adane Hailu, deputy editor-in-chief of “Netsebrak” private newspaper, received a written order from the Addis Ababa Police Criminal Investigation to report to the police on 6 November 2001. It is not known if he was entitled to bail after giving his statement to the police.
7. Tesahalene Mengesha, deputy editor-in-chief of Mebrek, was summoned and told by the Central Investigation Office (Makelawi) that a new press charge was filed against him at the Third Criminal Bench of the Federal High Court. Mengesha also received a written order from the Central Investigation Office (Makelawi) to report to the police on 12 November 2001. It is not known whether he will be entitled to bail after he gives a statement to the police.
8. Abraham G-kidan, editor-in-chief of Poletica private newspaper, gave a statement to the police (Central Investigation Office -Makelawi) last week. He was released on bail of 2,000 birr.
Over the past nine years, the Ethiopian free press has made great contributions in terms of enlightening and informing the public. It has served as a platform for the free expression of ideas and divergent views regarding the political, economic, social and other issues that are close to the hearts of the Ethiopian people.
In this crusade, members of the Ethiopian press have undergone great trials and tribulations, including arbitrary arrests, imprisonment, harassment and abductions, while others were forced to flee the country. All these obstacles have posed a great challenge to members of the free press. In spite of all these and other difficulties, they have been making persistent and unyielding efforts to contribute their respective share in the ongoing democratisation process.
And now, they are facing a new challenge: Repeated charges have been filed against them for alleged violations of the press law.
EFJA notes a new trend of imposing harmful tactics against the free press. EFJA also notes that the recent unfavourable situation against journalists is contrary to the latest speech made by H.E. Melese Zenawi, the premier, who announced a government commitment to foster the free press, towards the development of the democratisation process in Ethiopia.
EFJA vividly protests the measures introduced by the authorities, who clearly intend to frustrate journalists from exercising their duties and democratic rights.
EFJA also calls for an immediate halt to the poor psychological treatment of journalists, which is carried out under the pretext of safeguarding the press law.
Members of the free press have withstood the economic and political sabotage unleashed by dictators that rule the country under the guise of democracy. They have also stood strongly against threats and arrogance. In the process, they have maintained their organisational freedom and have been true to the professional and public commitments.
Members of the private press are presently faced with a challenge that threatens their well being and existence at a time when they are organising themselves to continue their service to the public with greater vigour and tenacity.
We should stress here that a quick solution should be found to this serious challenge, which poses a great threat to the democratic rights of the Ethiopian people.
7 November, 2001
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Kifle Mulat
President, EFJA
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
– condemning the ongoing harassment of Ethiopian journalists, which poses a serious challenge to their ability to carry out their professional duties freely
Appeals To
H.E. Ato Meles Zenawi
Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
C/o National Parliament
Fax: +251 1 55 20 20
E-mail: national.parliament@telecom.net.etH.E. Ato Siyum Mesfin
Minister of Foreign Affaires
C/o National Parliament
Fax: +251 1 51 43 00
E-mail: national.parliament@telecom.net.etH.E. Ato Ali Suleyman
Minister of Justice
C/o National Parliament
Fax: +251 1 51 08 73
E-mail: national.parliament@telecom.net.etH.E. Ato Bereket Simon
Minister of Information
C/o National Parliament
Fax: +251 1 55 07 22
E-mail: national.parliament@telecom.net.etPlease copy appeals to the source if possible.
