Concerns over media clampdown in Ethiopia
The Ethiopian government is stepping up oppression of independent journalists ahead of national elections due in May, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has reported.
'Ethiopia's government has systematically assaulted the country's independent voices, treating the media as a threat,' said Leslie Lefkow, HRW's deputy Africa director. A report on the News24 site notes that she said state-owned radio, television and newspapers dominate Ethiopia's media landscape while independent journalists face threats, intimidation and harassment, said the group. Since the last polls in 2010 at least 60 Ethiopian journalists have fled into exile and 19 have been locked up, the report said. 'Muzzling independent voices through trumped-up criminal charges and harassment is making Ethiopia one of the world's biggest jailers of journalists,' Lefkow said.
Full report on the News24 site
'Ethiopia's government has systematically assaulted the country's independent voices, treating the media as a threat,' said Leslie Lefkow, HRW's deputy Africa director. A report on the News24 site notes that she said state-owned radio, television and newspapers dominate Ethiopia's media landscape while independent journalists face threats, intimidation and harassment, said the group. Since the last polls in 2010 at least 60 Ethiopian journalists have fled into exile and 19 have been locked up, the report said. 'Muzzling independent voices through trumped-up criminal charges and harassment is making Ethiopia one of the world's biggest jailers of journalists,' Lefkow said.
Full report on the News24 site
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