Ethiopia: Two more journalists arrested

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, July 13, 2005 (Sudan Tribune) — Ethiopian police arrested Fassil Yenalem, editor-in-chief of “Addis Zena” newspaper, on Monday 11 July 2005 at 2.30 p.m. (local time).

According to a press release by Ethiopian Free Press Journalists’ Association, Yenalem is expected to appear in court on 12 July.

It is not known if he is up on any charges or if he will be eligible for release on bail.

In a separate incident, Amare Aregawi, publisher and editor-in-chief of “Reporter” newspaper and magazine, was arrested on 7 July, the press statement said.

Police questioned Aregawi about a story on 150 soldiers who recently returned from their West African peacekeeping mission and protested that they were not paid their stipends while serving in Liberia.

The story appeared the previous week in the local and international press. After making a statement to police, Aregawi appeared before the Federal First Instance Court the same day and was released on bail of 500 Birr (approx. 57 dollars).