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JULY 7/2004 REPRESSION AGAINST THE FREE PRESS CONTINUES... The second Criminal Bench of the Federal High Court June 21/04 ruled that, the editor – in – chief of Tobbia newspaper and magazine, Aregga Wolde Kirkos should pay a 5000 birr fine. The journalist, who could not pay the fine, was taken to prison. The editor – in – chief was charged "with issuing and publishing in his newspaper and disseminating an article which defames the good reputation of the Ethiopian Health, Nutrition and Research Institution." The article which was sent by an individual was published in Tobbia newspaper issued on September 2000 (Meskerem 12/92 Eth. Ca.) Editor – in – chief Aregga Wolde Kirkos was, by putting 2000 birr in bail, fighting his case in court for the past four years. In addition to the case which has been decided upon, Aregga is by putting in ail money fighting two other press charges pending in court.The deputy Editor – in – chief of Tobbia news paper and magazine was beaten and his ID card and reporting equipment snatched by police and armed men in Kara Kore area, Oromia Region while trying to make in queries into the allegations by residents that "their houses are going to be demolished".The journalist was detained the whole day and later released on producing 1000 birr bail. The Editor – in – chief of Seife nebelbal weakly newspaper, Leul Seboka has been charged with publishing in his newspaper (on Tekemt 23/95) and disseminating an article entitled "Oromia shall be independent" which "incited people to forcibly break away a region that has been constitutionally established." The journalist who appeared at the 5th criminal Bench of the Federal High Court on May 12/2004 was released on producing on a bail of 500 birr (USD59). The case has been adjourned for July 12/2004. Journalists 1.Debassa Wakjira and Shiferraw Insermu from the state controlled Oromo language television service, who were put in to a custody on 22 April for allegedly passing information to the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) are still in prison. Charges have not yet been filed against them in the court, because police said they are not yet through with their investigation. Journalists who have been forced to flee from the country recently
· From free press: Editor – in – Chief of Tobbia newspaper, Sileshi Woldeyes Editor – Chief of Dagim Wonchif, Mengistu Wolde Selassie. · From government media: 1. Suleimian Mohmmed (Editor – Berissa) 2. Mohammed Ahmed Ethiopian Television 3. Andualem Gemeda (Eth.Radio) 4. Tesfaye Dibissa (Eth.Radio) 5. Dasu Lula (Eth.Radio) 6. Habtamu Merga (Eth.Radio)
WRITE PROTEST LETTERS TO: Prime Minister His Excellency Meles Zenawi Office of the Prime Minister P O Box 1031, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Telegrams: Prime Minister, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Fax: +251 1 552020 Salutation: Your Excellency
COPIES to: Kifle Mulat President, EFJA 28 June 2004, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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