Rights Watchdog Calls for Immediate Release of Media Workers
ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopian rights watchdog has urged for the release of media workers arrested in the recent crackdowns.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) made the call today after two reporters were arrested by security officers.
Reports say Freelance journalist Dawit Begashaw was detained by security forces on Wednesday.
This comes days after the arrest of another journalist Meskerem Abera late last week.
“Media workers suspected of alleged media-related offenses can not be subject to pre-trial detention,” chief commissioner Daniel Bekele said.
The commissioner says they “should be released immediately and unconditionally.”
“High time Ethiopia should end harassment of dissenting voices,” said Daniel, adding that “responsible journalism is also needed”.