Ethiopian Authorities Detain Journalist Tesfalem Waldyes Despite Court-Ordered Bail

June 11, 2025 – Ethiopia – 

Ethiopian journalist Tesfalem Waldyes has been detained by authorities in Addis Ababa despite a court order granting him bail, raising serious concerns about press freedom in the country. Waldyes, a well-known journalist and co-founder of the independent media outlet Ethiopia Insider, was held even after a judge authorized his release. This move has sparked condemnation from international organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), which has called for his immediate release.

Tesfalem Waldyes has faced legal challenges before. In 2015, he was detained on terrorism-related charges, which were eventually dropped. His recent detention, however, reflects a worrying pattern of repression against journalists in Ethiopia. The CPJ has documented multiple instances where journalists have been arbitrarily detained, especially during times of political unrest. For example, in April 2023, at least eight journalists were arrested amid renewed tensions in the country. Such actions have alarmed human rights advocates who see them as attempts to silence critical voices and restrict freedom of expression.

The Ethiopian government’s ongoing clampdown on the press undermines democratic principles and the public’s right to information. By detaining journalists like Waldyes, authorities send a chilling message that dissent and independent reporting will not be tolerated. This atmosphere of fear hinders investigative journalism and limits transparency at a time when Ethiopia faces significant political and social challenges.

International organizations, including CPJ, continue to monitor the situation closely and urge the Ethiopian government to respect journalists’ rights and uphold the rule of law. There are calls for increased global attention and diplomatic pressure to ensure that journalists can operate freely and safely without fear of imprisonment or harassment.

In a healthy democracy, a free press is essential for holding power accountable and informing citizens. The detention of Tesfalem Waldyes, despite a court’s bail order, is a stark reminder of the urgent need to protect press freedom in Ethiopia and support journalists who risk their safety to report the truth.

Reference – 

https://allafrica.com/stories/202506110034.html

Ethiopia Detains Journalist Tesfalem Waldyes , CPJ Demands Release

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