After nearly ten months of illegal arrest under the guise of a state of emergency, the Ethiopian government released three journalists over the weekend. This move comes amid a period of intense scrutiny and criticism from human rights organizations over the government’s actions.
Amnesty International has highlighted the escalating crackdown on civic space and independent domestic human rights organizations in Ethiopia, particularly since February 2024. The organization’s recent report sheds light on the severe restrictions and intimidation faced by human rights groups and journalists in the country.
Journalist Belay Manaye Released
Belaynesh Nigatu, the wife of journalist Belay Manaye, confirmed on Tuesday that her husband has been released from the harsh prison facility in Awash Arba. Belay is now home in Addis Ababa with Belaynesh and their two children after his release on Monday.
Arrested in November 2023, Belay was initially held at the Federal Police Headquarter in Addis Ababa before being transferred to Awash Arba. His case drew significant attention due to the harsh conditions of his detention and the lack of access to healthcare, family visits, or legal representation.
Alongside Belay, journalists Bekalu Alamriew and Tewodros Zerfu were also released. They had been detained in Awash Arba since a day after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration imposed a state of emergency over the Amhara region of Ethiopia in August 2024.
Local news sources indicated that a habeas corpus charge was brought against the government after the extended state of emergency concluded last week. The state of emergency, initially declared for six months with the stated mission to “disarm Fano forces in the Amhara region,” was extended by four months in February 2024.
Despite these releases, many more journalists and activists, including Meskerem Abera, remain behind bars. The Fano forces, which have been fighting government forces since August 2023, are reported to be more armed and stronger than they were a year ago.
The Ethiopian government has not yet declared the official end of the state of emergency in the Amhara region. Local reports indicate intense fighting continues between government forces and Fano in various parts of the region.
International Attention and Calls for Action
The report from Amnesty International calls on the Ethiopian authorities to end their crackdown on human rights organizations and to respect the rights of journalists and activists. The international community is urged to press Ethiopian authorities to uphold human rights and to provide a safe environment for human rights defenders and journalists.
For more detailed information, you can read the full report by Amnesty International here.
This recent development highlights the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression and human rights in Ethiopia. While the release of these journalists is a positive step, the broader context of repression and conflict remains a significant concern.
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