**Updates IFEX alerts of 6 January 2000, 1 November, 23, 20 and 7 July, 7 June, 16, 12 and 8 March 1999 and others** (WAN/IFEX) – In a letter to Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, WAN has expressed its serious concern at the continued imprisonment of at least eight Ethiopian journalists. According to reports, the […]
**Updates IFEX alerts of 6 January 2000, 1 November, 23, 20 and 7 July, 7 June, 16, 12 and 8 March 1999 and others**
(WAN/IFEX) – In a letter to Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, WAN has expressed its serious concern at the continued imprisonment of at least eight Ethiopian
journalists.
According to reports, the following journalists are currently being held on charges of “threatening state security” or “defamation”: Tesfaye Dressa (imprisoned on 14 October 1997), Solomon Nemera (16 October 1997) and Garuma Bekele (27 October 1997) of Urgi; Abera Wegui (27 May 1999) and Tilahun Bekele (23 December 1997) of Maebel; Tamerat Gemeda (October 1997) of Seyfe Nebelbal; Zemedkun Moges (March 1997) of Atkourot; and Bezunesh Debebe (August 1999) of Zegabi.
WAN understands that at least a further thirty-one journalists have been released on bail with court cases pending against them.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to the prime minister:
– reminding him that the imprisonment of journalists is a clear breach of their right to freedom of expression, which is guaranteed by numerous international conventions
– further noting that the United Nations Commission on Human Rights considers that “detention, as punishment for the peaceful expression of an opinion, is one of the most reprehensible ways to enjoin silence and, as a consequence, a grave violation of human rights”
– respectfully but urgently calling on him to ensure that the eight imprisoned journalists are released immediately and that the prosecution of thirty-one others is halted and the charges dropped
– urging him to ensure that in the future Ethiopia fully respects international standards of press freedom
Appeals To
APPEALS TO:His Excellency Meles Zenawi
Prime Minister
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
c/o H.E. Ambassador to Britain
Fax: +44 207 584 7054Please copy appeals to WAN.
