Media Watchdogs Condemn Detention of Journalists in Ethiopia

April 23, 2025 – Ethiopia – 

International media rights groups have condemned the detention of multiple journalists in Ethiopia, raising serious concerns about press freedom in the country. The latest incident involves the arrest of three reporters affiliated with the YouTube-based media outlet “Ethio News.” The journalists—Yemane Dar, Kibrom Aregawi, and Getachew Assefa—were taken into custody in the capital, Addis Ababa, on April 26, 2025, and have since been held without formal charges.

According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the arrests are part of a broader pattern of media suppression under the current Ethiopian government. Authorities have accused the journalists of spreading misinformation and inciting unrest, though no evidence has been made public. RSF has strongly criticized the detentions, calling them arbitrary and urging Ethiopian officials to release the journalists immediately.

The crackdown follows a similar wave of arrests in recent years, particularly during periods of political tension. In 2021, at least 12 journalists were detained under Ethiopia’s state of emergency laws, with many held incommunicado for extended periods. Human rights groups say the government continues to use vague anti-terror and anti-misinformation laws to silence critical reporting and independent voices.

Local journalists in Ethiopia say fear of arrest has led to widespread self-censorship, and many have fled the country or switched professions. The current arrests further deepen concerns about Ethiopia’s media environment, especially as the nation prepares for politically sensitive events, including national dialogues and conflict resolution talks in various regions.

International advocacy groups are urging Ethiopia’s government to respect its constitutional obligations to protect freedom of expression and to cease the harassment and intimidation of media professionals. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have also voiced alarm over the treatment of detained journalists, calling on the authorities to allow them legal representation and family contact.

As of now, no trial dates have been announced, and the detained journalists remain in legal limbo. Observers say Ethiopia’s international standing on press freedom continues to deteriorate, with the country falling further down global rankings each year.

Reference – 

https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/545096.aspx

https://www.africanews.com/2021/07/12/ethiopia-reporters-without-borders-condemns-the-arrest-of-12-journalists/

https://www.barrons.com/news/media-monitoring-group-condemns-ethiopia-journalists-detention-56550bda