Press Freedom lobby group lauds release of three of five journalists held in Tigray

Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), has lauded the release of three of five journalists, employees of Tigrai TV but wants two more still in custody also released unconditionally.

CPJ’s sub-Saharan Africa representative, Muthoki Mumo, has been quoted on CPJ’s website:

“While it is a great relief that authorities recently released three Ethiopian journalists imprisoned over their work with the broadcaster Tigrai TV, it is unacceptable that two of their colleagues remain behind bars,”

“Authorities in Tigray should unconditionally release Hailemichael Gesesse and Dawit Mekonnen without delay and ensure that members of the media are not imprisoned for their work.” Added Mumo.

In May and June 2022, amid a civil war involving Tigrayan forces and the federal government, authorities detained five Tigrai TV employees: Hailemichael and Dawit, as well as Haben Halefom, Misgena Seyoum, and Teshome Temalew. They were charged with “participation with the enemy.”

According to news sources, the High Court in Mekelle, the capital of Tigray, freed and exonerated Haben on December 5, 2022, and Misgena and Teshome on January 11.
Reports further indicate that the court postponed Hailemichael’s case to February 23 and Dawit’s case to February 25 on January 12. During this time, state witnesses are anticipated to testify.

Ethiopia is now among the top jailers of journalists in Africa because of its campaign against dissidents and those thought to support the rebel group Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), according to CPJ.