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UPDATE - ETHIOPIA
18 June 2007
EFJA shocked by deteriorating press freedom situation following conviction
of editors and publishers
SOURCE: Ethiopian Free Press Journalists' Association (EFJA), Addis Ababa
**Updates IFEX alerts of 12 June and 12 April 2007, 24 and 11 August, 23
and 16 March 2006, and others**
(EFJA/IFEX) - The following is a 12 June 2007 press release of the East and
Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (EHAHRD-Net), of which EFJA
is a member:
Human rights groups shocked by convictions of journalists, call for
observance of media freedom
EHAHRD-Net / Kampala, 12 June 2007 - The East and Horn of Africa Human
Rights Defenders Network (EHAHRD-Net) is deeply concerned about the
continued infringement on media freedom by the Ethiopian Government,
evidenced by the 11 June 2007 conviction of four editors and three
publishers of now defunct weeklies.
This latest move spoils the image the Ethiopian government tried to create
when it acquitted eight journalists two months ago, and can only be an
indication that the country's media is still at stake.
According to information received from EFJA and from EHAHRD-Net members in
Ethiopia and in the Diaspora, those convicted include: editors Andualem
Ayle of "Ethiop" and Mesfin Tesfaye of "Abay", who were convicted of
"outrages against the constitutional order," and face possible execution or
life in prison; editor Wenakseged Zeleke of "Asqual", who could be
sentenced to up to 10 years in prison on similar charges; and deputy editor
Dawit Fassil of "Satanaw", who had been released on bail in April after 16
months in prison. He has since been returned to Kality prison, and faces up
to three years in prison on charges of "inciting the public through false
rumors".
In the meantime, the publishing houses Serkalem, which owns "Asqual",
"Menelik" and "Satanaw" newspapers, Sisay, which puts out "Ethiop", and
Fasil, responsible for "Addis Zena" newspaper, were also convicted on
similar charges.
"This continued ill treatment of the media by the Ethiopian federal
government is very unfortunate and must stop. Journalists have an
inalienable role of gathering and disseminating information, bestowed upon
them by the Ethiopian Constitution, and regional, and international human
rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
and the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. The Government of Prime
Minister Meles Zenawi must therefore observe media freedom, and desist from
harassing media personnel," says Hassan Shire Sheikh, Chairperson of
EHAHRDP-Net.
Article 29 of the Ethiopian Constitution provides for the "Right to Hold
Opinions, Thoughts and Free Expressions" without interference. "This right
shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of
all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print,
in the form of art, or through other media of his choice. . . "
BACKGROUND:
A wave of outrage was felt across Ethiopia in November 2005, when the
government of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi launched a scathing attack on the
independent media, forcing many into oblivion. Accused of being part of an
opposition conspiracy to overthrow the "constitutional order", at least 14
editors and journalists were arrested, and a number of media houses were
closed. The charges against the editors and journalists were based on,
among other things, the assertion that their work had endangered some
members of the ruling coalition, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary
Democratic Front, and the Tigrayans who form its dominant ethnic group.
Other charges included "impairment of the defensive power of the state" and
"attempted genocide". These charges followed the publication of editorials
critical of the government's conduct around the May 2005 general elections.
Independent sources indicate that at least 193 people lost their lives
during and after the violent protests that swept across the country,
challenging the Government's attempt to manipulate the results of the
elections.
In April 2007, following pressure from human rights organisations, press
freedom observers and the international community, the Ethiopian government
dropped charges against eight of the arrested journalists, after some had
spent 17 months in prison. This action also included exiled President of
the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists' Association, Kifle Mulat.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Send appeals to authorities:
- calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the jailed
journalists
- urging the government to introduce legal reforms in line with
international standards, by removing all criminal sanctions for press
offences such as defamation, insulting the government and publishing false
information
APPEALS TO:
His Excellency Meles Zenawi
Prime Minister
Office of the Prime Minister
P.O. Box 1031
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Fax: +251 11 1552020
E-mail: national.parliament@telecom.net.et, national.parliament@ethionet.et
Mr. Seyoum Mesfin
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
P.O. Box 393
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Fax: +251 11 5514300
E-mail: mfa.addis@telecom.net.et
Mr. Assefa Kesito
Minister of Justice
Ministry of Justice
P.O. Box 1370
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Fax: +251 11 5517775 / 5520874
E-mail: ministry-justice@telecom.net.et
Please also send a copy of your letter to the Ethiopian representative in
your country.
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
For further information, contact Kifle Mulat, President, EFJA, 7200
Clarewood, Apt. 302, Houston, TX, 77036-4409, USA, tel/fax: +713 995 8397,
mobile: +832 885 1950, e-mail: efjakifle@gmail.com; or Tumusiime Kabwende
Deo, EHAHRDP, Human Rights House, Plot 1853, Lulume Rd., Nsambya, P.O. Box
70356, Kampala, Uganda, tel: +256 414 510263 (ext. 112), mobile: +256 712
075721, e-mail: ehahrdp@yahoo.ca, Internet:
http://www.yorku.ca/crs/AHRDP/index.html
The information contained in this update is the sole responsibility of
EFJA. In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit
EFJA.
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