On August 13, 2025, unidentified armed men wearing military uniforms and masks took Yonas Amare, a senior editor at the privately owned The Reporter newspaper, from his residence in Sheger City, on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, according to news outlets and three colleagues who spoke to CPJ on condition of anonymity, citing security concerns.
Witnesses told The Reporter that the men confiscated cell phones in the neighborhood and ordered residents indoors before taking Yonas away. At the time, Addis Ababa police told the outlet that they did not have Yonas in custody.
His whereabouts remained unknown until his release on August 22. CPJ was unable to determine the identity of the men and the location where Yonas was held.
CPJ's August 2025 emails to the federal and Addis Ababa police requesting comment did not receive any replies.