Atnafu Berhane

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A protest in Addis Ababa on September 17, over clashes that left at least 23 people dead. Access to mobile internet was cut during the unrest. (AFP/Maheder Haileselassie Tadese)

In Ethiopia, mobile internet cut in the capital amid clashes and protests

Nairobi, September 21, 2018–The Committee to Protect Journalists today urged Ethiopian authorities to ensure internet is available, including during times of unrest when access to information provided by journalists is crucial. Mobile internet was unavailable in the capital, Addis Ababa, from September 17 to the morning of September 19 amid protests and clashes, according to…

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An undated picture of members of the Zone 9 blogging collective. One of the bloggers is waiting for a court to drop an incitement charge against him. (Endalkachew H/Michael)

CPJ calls on Ethiopia to drop case against Zone 9 blogger

Nairobi, February 16, 2018–The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on Ethiopian authorities to drop an incitement charge against Zone 9 blogger Atnafu Berhane. Prosecutors told a court on February 14 they planned to drop the charge today, but the process was delayed by a paperwork error, Atnafu told CPJ. He added that a judge…

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The skyline of Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, in January 2017. Press freedom conditions remain stark, with journalists jailed or facing legal action, internet shutdowns, and reports of surveillance. (Reuters/Tiksa Negeri)

Why release of two journalists in Ethiopia does not signal end to press crackdown

On January 10, radio journalists Darsema Sori and Khalid Mohammed were released from prison after serving lengthy sentences related to their work at the Ethiopian faith-based station Radio Bilal. Despite their release and Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn’s promise earlier this month to free political prisoners, Ethiopia’s use of imprisonment, harassment, and surveillance means that the…

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