In its latest statement on Ethiopia, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the ongoing abduction and arbitrary detention of journalists in Ethiopia.
CPJ expressed “deep alarm” over the abduction of Yonas Amare, editor of The Reporter newspaper; the arbitrary detention of journalist Khadar Mohamed Ismael of Somali Regional Television; and the incommunicado detention of Ahadu Radio host Abdulsemed Mohammed.
According to The Reporter newspaper, on August 13, masked men reportedly wearing military uniforms abducted Yonas Amare from his residence on the outskirts of the capital, Addis Ababa. The abduction has been corroborate by multiple news outlets and his colleagues. Addis Ababa police have denied that they are holding Yonas Amare in custody.
CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Muthoki Mumo says, “Ethiopia is increasingly becoming a hostile environment for journalists, and the authorities must urgently investigate Yonas Amare’s abduction, hold the perpetrators accountable, and unconditionally release journalists Khadar Mohamed Ismael and Aduselmed Mohammed.”
In its statement, CPJ noted it had received no immediate responses from federal authorities, Addis Ababa police, or the Somali regional communication office.
Ethiopian Policy Institute 