RSF Condemns Arrest Of 12 Journalists In Ethiopia
Faizan Hashmi Published July 12, 2021 | 04:20 PM
Nairobi, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Jul, 2021 ) :Campaign group Reporters Without Borders called Monday for the immediate release of 12 journalists detained in a wave of arrests in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa.
Most of the journalists, including one who runs a YouTube channel critical of the government, were arrested on June 30, according to Reporters Without Borders, known by its French acronym RSF.
It said no explanation had been given for their arrests until July 2, when police linked the journalists to a terrorist group, referring to the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).
Federal troops have been battling TPLF forces in Tigray since November, but they withdrew at end of June in the face of rebel advances and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government then declared a unilateral ceasefire.
Ethiopia's government has imposed tough restrictions on journalists covering the conflict.
"We condemn these mass arrests of journalists, which clearly aim to deter independent investigative reporting on the war in Tigray," said Arnaud Froger, the head of RSF's Africa desk.
"These arrests, conducted in a completely opaque manner, are all the more shocking because, just a few months ago, the Ethiopian parliament voted a new media law decriminalising most press offences," added Froger, calling for their release.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission at the weekend voiced "grave" concern at the arrests, saying "the detainees have not been granted visitation rights by their lawyer or their families."
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Azad Jammu Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq condoles over the demise ..
Senior Army Commanders visit families of customs' martyrs to condole
Poland-Pakistan corporation established on solid foundations: Polish envoy
Chairman Senate passes ruling to constitute Special Committee of Upper House
Stocks fall as tech shares sink, US economy slows
Honda announces US$11 bn EV battery and vehicle plant in Canada
All AJK Inter-varsity Speech Competition urges UNO to ensure early grant of righ ..
AJK CEC calls on President Sultan Chaudhry
Assistant Secretary General of UNDP, Director of Regional Bureau for Asia & Paci ..
Portugal marks 50 years of democracy with far right on the rise
IHC suspends notification regarding cut in prices of 'naan & roti'
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
2 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
3 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
4 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
4 days ago -
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
4 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
5 days ago
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
7 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
10 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
11 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
11 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
14 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
17 days ago