Metro

Detained Ethiopian journalists still behind bars as police refuse to release them on bail despite court order – Lawyer

Published

2 years ago

June 8, 2022

The lawyer to three Ethiopian journalists who have been in detention for over two weeks have raised the alarm following refusal by the police to release them on bail despite a court order that they be given bail.

The three journalists, Solomon Shumye, Meaza Mohammed and Temesgen Desalegn, appeared before the Federal First Instance Court on Tuesday and were granted bail of about $190 each, but their lawyer, Henok Aklilu, has cried out over the refusal of the police to release them.

The Ethiopian federal police force had immediately appealed the judge’s decision at the High Court but the court overruled the lower court’s decision, and the three journalists were returned to police custody, according to Aklilu on Wednesday in an interview.

The lawyer said he was expecting that to happen but will continue to seek their release.

“These things have been very much common when politically motivated cases come to court, especially journalists who are very much critical of the regime.

“So, I was not surprised. You know, they give you bail in the lower court and it will be overturned by the higher court.

“So, we were appealing to the court that they release this unreasonable suspicion by the police to arrest someone. But the police, you know, the police are the police. They come up with all kinds of stories, which are not substantiated by any real evidence,” the lawyer said.

The three journalists are among 19 people arrested last month in a crackdown aimed at reporters who critical of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government.

The government had accused the journalists of inciting violence and disturbing the country’s peace through their work.

Desalegn who is the editor of privately owned Feteh magazine, is accused of inciting violence and public disturbance through unspecified interviews published on YouTube, while Shumye, a current affairs talk show host, is accused of inciting violence on his show while charges against Mohammed is not clear.

Related Topics:Bail Detention Ethiopia Featured Journalism

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Metro

Nigeria not considering permitting foreign military bases— Information Minister

Published

2 hours ago

May 7, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

The Nigerian government has denied reports that it is considering permitting the establishment of foreign military bases in the country to combat insurgency and other crimes, as a way of accommodating American and French troops following their expulsion from neighbouring countries like Niger Republic and Chad.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said the Federal Government was aware of false alarm being raised in some quarters about discussions with some foreign countries, notably the United States and France, on the siting of foreign military bases in Nigeria.

There have been rumours of late that the United States and the French governments had perfected plans to relocate their military bases from the Sahel to Nigeria, with many Nigerians cautioning the President Bola Tinubu administration from accepting such a proposal as it would pose dangers to the country.

But Idris insisted there were no such plans in the present as the reports were mere rumours which should be disregarded.

“The Federal Government is aware of false alarms being raised in some quarters alleging discussions between the Federal Government of Nigeria and some foreign countries on the siting of foreign military bases in the country,” Idris said in the statement.

“The Federal Government is not in any such discussion with any foreign country.

“We have neither received nor are we considering any proposals from any country on the establishment of any foreign military bases in Nigeria.

“The Nigerian government already enjoys foreign cooperation in tackling ongoing security challenges, and the President remains committed to deepening these partnerships, with the goal of achieving the national security objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

“We urge the general public to totally disregard this falsehood,” the minister said.

Metro

Media manager identifies bureaucratic bottlenecks as hindering access to public information

Published

21 hours ago

May 6, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

As discussions on press freedom persist, Albert Mwiinga, Station Manager of Byta FM, sheds light on the hurdles journalists encounter in accessing public information.

Mwiinga identified bureaucracy as a major obstacle impeding media access to information in Zambia.

Speaking to Zambia Monitor in Choma, Mwiinga identified bureaucracy as a significant barrier hampering journalists’ access to vital public information.

“The media has long grappled with the challenge of accessing information, particularly from public sources, due to entrenched bureaucratic practices,” Mwiinga explained.

He lamented the absence of legislation compelling officials to disclose public information to the media.

“There is currently no legal mechanism to compel officials to share such information, making it exceedingly challenging. Moreover, bureaucratic red tape often exacerbates the situation,” Mwiinga observed.

Mwiinga expressed optimism regarding the potential impact of the Access to Information Bill once it becomes operational, foreseeing enhanced media independence.

“Although progress is being made, journalists remain subject to legal constraints, including defamation and libel laws. The regulatory framework, such as the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA), further complicates matters,” Mwiinga said.

His analysis underscored the persistent bureaucratic hurdles impeding media access to public information in Zambia.

This story is sponsored content from Zambia Monitor’s Project Aliyense.