Journalists attacked in Ethiopia since 1992
Ethiopia withdraws Addis Standard license, outlet ceases publication
Nairobi, July 15, 2021 – In response to Ethiopian authorities’ withdrawal today of the news website Addis Standard’s license, prompting the outlet to suspend operations, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement: “For years, Addis Standard has been an important source of critical reporting and commentary on Ethiopia. Today’s move to withdraw its…
CPJ calls on EU to promote press freedom at upcoming meeting on Ethiopia
Brussels, July 8, 2021 – In preparation for the Council of the European Union’s July 12 discussion on Ethiopia, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement: “As the Council of the European Union seeks to address the unravelling humanitarian crisis in the conflict-affected Tigray region, it should also focus on how the Ethiopian…
Ethiopian authorities arrest at least 15 employees of 2 independent media outlets
New York, July 2, 2021 – Ethiopian authorities should immediately release all recently arrested journalists and media workers, and ensure that authorities cease harassing members of the press, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. At about 1 p.m. on June 30, police raided the office of the independent broadcaster Awlo Media Center in Addis…
Ethiopian journalist Abebe Bayu abducted and assaulted by unidentified men
New York, July 1, 2021 – Ethiopian authorities must thoroughly investigate the recent attack on journalist Abebe Bayu, hold those responsible to account, and ensure that all members of the press can work without fear, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. On June 21, a group of four unidentified men surrounded Abebe, a reporter…
CPJ joins call urging Ethiopia to maintain internet access during elections
The Committee to Protect Journalists recently joined 46 other human rights, free expression, and technology organizations in a letter calling on Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to guarantee secure and reliable internet access during and following the country’s elections. In the letter, sent on June 18, members of the #KeepItOn Coalition against internet shutdowns also…
At-risk journalists who must flee home countries often find few quick and safe options
In 2018, journalist Mohammad Shubaat was in Daraa, Syria, caught between advancing forces aligned with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the closed borders of Israel and Jordan. Despite the dire threat to Shubaat and many of his colleagues, it would take over a year of intense negotiations with some 20 countries by the Committee to…
Ethiopia elections 2021: Journalist safety kit
Ethiopia is scheduled to hold general elections later this year amid heightened tensions across the country. Military conflict broke out in the Tigray region in November 2020, and is ongoing; over the past year, several other regions have witnessed significant levels of violence and fatalities as a result of protests and inter-ethnic clashes, according to…
Oromia Broadcasting Network journalist Sisay Fida shot and killed in Ethiopia
Nairobi, May 21, 2021 — Ethiopian authorities must swiftly and credibly investigate the killing of reporter Sisay Fida and guarantee the safety of journalists in the country, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. On the evening of May 9, two unidentified attackers in the town of Dembi Dollo, in the Oromia region, shot and…
CPJ condemns Ethiopia’s expulsion of New York Times reporter Simon Marks
Nairobi, May 21, 2021—In response to Ethiopia’s expulsion yesterday of New York Times reporter Simon Marks following allegations of “fake news” about the ongoing conflict in the Tigray region, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement: “Ethiopia’s decision to expel Simon Marks, without warning or explanation, exposes the government’s disturbing efforts to control…
Journalists struggle to work amid extended internet shutdowns in Myanmar, Ethiopia, Kashmir
By CPJ Africa and Asia Program Staff Even a brief shutdown of the internet impedes the press from doing its job. But some disruptions last for months, severely undermining safety and access to information, CPJ has found. Recently, authorities have imposed such measures in Myanmar and Ethiopia amid serious crises. India leads the world in internet…