Four Media Workers Arrested In Ethiopia's Tigray
Faizan Hashmi Published March 02, 2021 | 08:10 AM
Nairobi, March 2 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 2nd Mar, 2021 ) :Four media workers in Ethiopia's conflict-wracked Tigray region, including a translator working for Agence France-Presse, have been arrested and detained, their families and employers said.
Tigray has been the theatre of fighting since early November 2020, when Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced military operations against the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), accusing them of attacking Federal army camps.
The area was an information black hole for much of that time, with reporting heavily restricted and the internet cut off.
Seven international media organisations -- including AFP, the BBC and the Financial Times -- have now been granted accreditation to report from Tigray, but journalists were warned by officials they might face unspecified "corrective measures" if they did not meet local standards.
Fitsum Berhane and Alula Akalu, who were working as translators for journalists from AFP and the Financial Times, were detained on Saturday, their families said.
A third man, a journalist named Temrat Yemane, was also arrested in Mekele, the Tigrayan capital.
Late Monday the BBC also said one of its journalists, Girmay Gebru, had been detained by the military in Mekele.
Fitsum and Alula are being held at a military college near Mekele University, their families told AFP.
Relatives have not been able to see them and no explanation has been given for the arrests.
"They are under investigation. The information we have is that there is already some evidence," said Mulu Nega, the leader of the interim administration in Tigray which was appointed by Addis Ababa.
Asked what the investigation was about and what the evidence was he said: "There is no detailed information." AFP's global news director Phil Chetwynd called for Fitsum's immediate release.
"We have not been informed of any specific charges against Fitsum Berhane. His collaboration with a media outlet should not be a motive for his arrest," he said.
The Financial Times said it was taking "all possible steps" to secure the release of the translators.
"Our concerns have been raised with the relevant authorities as we work to understand the reasons for the arrests." The BBC said it had expressed its "concern to the Ethiopian authorities" and was awaiting their response.
Media freedom group the Committee to Protect Journalists said the detentions could send a chill through the reporting community.
"The Ethiopian military's arrests of journalists and media workers will undoubtedly lead to fear and self-censorship," the group said Monday.
"Ethiopian authorities should release these journalists and media workers immediately and provide guarantees that the press can cover the conflict in Tigray without intimidation."
Related Topics
Recent Stories
HEC reviews curricula for environmental sciences degree programme
ICC Asia looking forward to an action-packed Asia Cricket Week
Yuvraj Singh named ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador
Greece hands Olympic flame to 2024 Paris Games hosts
Two Kyiv hospitals evacuating over feared Russian strikes
World must act on neurotech revolution, say experts
Charles & Catherine's cancer diagnoses
Champions Alcaraz and Sabalenka through in Madrid Open
King Charles to resume some public duties during cancer treatment: palace
US defense chief announces $6 bn in security aid for Ukraine
Heavy rains cause damage to Spezand-Taftan railway track
Woman stabbed in Israel, attacker killed: police
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
15 hours ago -
Kite Flying: From cultural festival to deadly sport
16 hours ago -
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
3 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
5 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
5 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
5 days ago
-
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
5 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
6 days ago -
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
8 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
12 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
12 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
12 days ago