May 3, 2004

As we observe the Press Freedom Day all over the world it is our primary duty to call on all to denounce with vigor the relentless repression unleashed by the rulers in Ethiopia against the free press and independent journalists.

The ruling EPRDF headed by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi does formally recognize the freedom of the press but all through its existence in power (13 years) it has unfailingly repressed the free press and the independent journalists. Dozens of journalists have been arrested and jailed on false charges based on a repressive Press Law. Many more have been forced into exile. Berhanu Ijigu and others have been disappeared. The Ethiopian Free Journalists' Association is banned and a satellite body formed in its place to hoodwink all and sundry using its name. As if the existing repressive Press Law was not enough, there is the ongoing attempt to adopt a more repressive Law to kill the free press altogether. Distribution of newspapers is hampered by repressive actions, exorbitant prices to be paid for purchase of newsprint paper, for postage, for bail or fines to have arrested journalists released, etc. have assured the disappearance of many newspapers. Prime Minster Meles Zenawi is recognized one of the worst predators of the free press in the world.

The importance of a free press to a developing society cannot be exaggerated. The denial of the freedom of the press is, therefore, a gross violation of the rights of the people by a government that has imposed its own control over the mass media.

Denounce the repression against the free press in Ethiopia!!