The Ethiopian Mass Media Professionals Association (EMMPA) has called on the government to ensure justice for journalists currently imprisoned in Ethiopia.
The association emphasized the need for a judicial process that is free from political influence, ensuring that the rights of these journalists are fully respected.
Recently, the newly elected executive members of the EMMPA visited journalists detained Kality and Kilinto prisons in Addis Ababa.
During their visit, they engaged in discussions with the incarcerated journalists, addressing concerns regarding prison management and the overall judicial process.
While the journalists did not report issues related to their treatment within the prisons, they expressed serious concerns about the manner in which they were detained, the conditions of their police custody, and the subsequent court proceedings.
The EMMPA revealed that some journalists have been held for over a year without trial, highlighting a significant lapse in the justice system.
In light of these findings, the association has called for the immediate release of these journalists and has urged the government to take steps to improve the media environment in Ethiopia.
The new executive board has also announced the implementation of various initiatives aimed at revitalizing the association, which had been largely inactive due to internal and external challenges.
A key part of the strategy involves increasing membership engagement by reactivating current members and enrolling new ones.
The EMMPA is also committed to resuming its past activities that have played a crucial role in advancing the profession of journalism in Ethiopia.
The Ethiopian Mass Media Professionals Association was established to protect the rights and dignity of journalists.
The profession has faced significant challenges in recent years, particularly due to the political turmoil in the country, which has led to the persecution and harassment of journalists.
In response to these ongoing challenges, the EMMPA has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the safety and professional freedom of journalists.
The association has also called on all media professionals across Ethiopia to join as members and help strengthen the association, so that the collective voice of media professionals can be a powerful advocate for the respect and protection of the profession.
Last May, journalist Samuel Assefa left Ethiopia amid government pressure.
Journalist Samuel Assefa, who has worked with Wazema Radio, Ethiopian Media Service (EMS), and other media outlets based in Ethiopia, recently left the country, citing government influence as the reason for his departure.
A few months ago, Samuel was arrested by the police while reporting on the demolition of 100,000 houses and the displacement of citizens in the Sheger City Administration near Addis Ababa, an action taken due to alleged illegal construction.
Samuel reported that he was beaten, arrested, and harassed by the police during this incident. Although he was released on bail, he continued to face ongoing threats and intimidation.
Samuel recounted to Ethio Negari that he was also detained at a regional command post while traveling to Dessie and Hayek towns in the Amhara region to report for Wazema Radio and Inter News.
International organizations such as Amnesty International, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and Human Rights Watch have called for the release of unjustly imprisoned journalists in Ethiopia.
According to CPJ’s annual report, Ethiopia arrested over eight journalists last year, making it the second-highest jailer of journalists in sub-Saharan Africa.
The report noted that many journalists in Ethiopia are abandoning the profession or leaving the country due to fear of harassment.
CPJ highlighted the cases of journalists including Dawit Begashaw, Genet Asmamaw, Abay Zewdu, Gobeze Sisay and other journalists urging the Ethiopian government to release them and respect press freedom.
A joint statement issued by 18 Western countries based in Addis Ababa on World Press Freedom Day 2024 expressed concern over threats to freedom of speech and the imprisonment of journalists in Ethiopia.
Following this statement, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) rejected the criticism, asserting its commitment to upholding freedom of expression.
Among the countries issuing the statement were the United States, European Union, Britain, Germany, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, Spain, the Netherlands, and others, who collectively called for the respect of press freedom in Ethiopia.
They highlighted concerns over the reported threats and imprisonment of journalists within the country.
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), in response, rejected the criticism, asserting its commitment to upholding freedom of expression.
MoFA emphasized its readiness to engage in constructive dialogue with international partners and stakeholders.
However, it cautioned against what it termed “paternalistic statements,” warning that such approaches could strain bilateral relations and undermine the rule of law.
