(WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC condemns the sentencing of Lubaba Said and the detention of Melese Shine, both in connection with the alleged contravention of press laws. Said, the former editor-in-chief of “Tarik” newspaper, was sentenced to one year in prison on 3 April 2002. She had been found guilty under the Press Law Proclamation 34/1985 E.C. […]
(WiPC/IFEX) – WiPC condemns the sentencing of Lubaba Said and the detention of Melese Shine, both in connection with the alleged contravention of press laws.
Said, the former editor-in-chief of “Tarik” newspaper, was sentenced to one year in prison on 3 April 2002. She had been found guilty under the Press Law Proclamation 34/1985 E.C. of “fabricating news that could have a negative psychological effect on members of the armed forces and disturb the minds of the people”. The charges were related to two “Tarik” articles published in August 1996 entitled, “The OPDO cadre official who has replaced Samora Yenous in Eastern Oromia has defected,” and, “The President’s Personal security guards are said to have defected.”
Shine, editor-in-chief of the weekly “Ethiop”, has been detained in custody since 26 March when he declared he was unable to pay bail of 10,000 birr (approx. US$1,200) imposed on him by the Federal High Court. Shine had been detained for a week before his initial hearing took place. He is charged with publishing and disseminating an article defaming the head of government and the publication of an interview with an alleged member of an illegal group.
International PEN roundly condemns the handing out of custodial sentences for alleged press offences, and the setting of bail quite out of proportion with charges filed against journalists in Ethiopia. PEN also notes the alarming frequency with which the Ethiopian authorities take journalists to court using wide-ranging laws which grossly inhibit freedom of expression.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
– calling for the immediate release of Said and Shine
– urging them to drop all criminal charges filed against journalists under press laws
– requesting a review of all Ethiopian legislation that inhibits freedom of expression
Appeals To
H.E. Ato Meles Zenawi
Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
Office of the Prime Minister
P.O. Box 1031
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Fax: +251 1 552 020
H.E. Ato Siyum Mesfin
Minister of Foreign Affairs
c/o National Parliament
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Fax: +251 1 51 43 00
H.E. Ato Harka Hariye
Minister of Justice
c/o National Parliament
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Fax: +251 1 51 08 73/ +251 1 55 02 78
H.E. Ato Bereket Simon
Minister of Information
c/o National Parliament
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Fax: +251 1 55 07 22
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
