Two journalists arrested as harassment of free press continues

(EFJA/IFEX) – Tsegaye Ayalew, editor-in-chief of “Genanaw”, and Robel Mitiku, editor-in-chief of “Gohe”, were among several editors-in-chief of private newspapers who were ordered to report to the Central Investigation Department in Addis Ababa the week of 19 to 26 November 2001. The two were detained on 20 and 21 November 2001, respectively, after making statements […]

(EFJA/IFEX) – Tsegaye Ayalew, editor-in-chief of “Genanaw”, and Robel Mitiku, editor-in-chief of “Gohe”, were among several editors-in-chief of private newspapers who were ordered to report to the Central Investigation Department in Addis Ababa the week of 19 to 26 November 2001.

The two were detained on 20 and 21 November 2001, respectively, after making statements to the police.

The editors-in-chief of “Genanaw” and “Gohe” newspapers were imprisoned for failing to produce bail in the amount of 10,000 birr (approx. US$1,200) each.

Many Ethiopian journalists are imprisoned for indefinite periods of time while multiple cases against them are pending in court as they are unable to afford bail.

EFJA tried to contact officials in order to get an explanation about the arrest of the editors-in-chief but found this to be very difficult and almost impossible.

Recommended Action

Appeals To

H.E. Ato Siyum Mesfin
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Fax: +251 1 514 300
c/o National Parliament
E-mail: national.parliament@telecom.net.et

H.E. Ato Harka Haroye
Minister of Justice
Fax: +251 1 533 478
c/o National Parliament
E-mail: national.parliament@telecom.net.et

H.E. Ato Bereket Simon
Minister of Information
Fax: +251 1 550 722
c/o National Parliament
E-mail: national.parliament@telecom.net.et

Please copy appeals to the source if possible.