Watchdog urges UN to help release Ethiopian journalists

Nov 15, 2005 (ADDIS ABABA) — The United Nations should help secure the release of Ethiopian journalists detained after a week of deadly political unrest that left at least 48 dead earlier this month, a leading press watchdog said Tuesday.

The Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF) called on UN secretary general Kofi Annan to engage in “urgent mediation” in Ethiopia, where journalists were arrested following four days of skirmishes in and around the capital over alleged voter fraud in May’s general elections.

“Mediation by the office of the UN secretary-general could help to halt Ethiopia’s continuing disintegration in which the press is one of the victims,” the statement said.

Arrest warrants have been issued for 12 journalists, at least six of whom are already in custody, RSF said in a statement. But federal police say eight reporters are in custody.

The media watchdog also urged an increase in press freedom and called for the creation of free press laws.

“As long as it does not advocate murder or hatred, Ethiopia’s privately-owned press has an absolute right to express its views without having to face extravagant charges,” it added.

While those detained have not been officially charged, they could face charges of treason, which is punishable by death in Ethiopia, for “their role in the uprising,” RSF said, citing Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.

The detainees are among more than 13,000 people to have been arrested following demonstrations incited by the opposition party Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) to protest the results of Ethiopia’s May 15 general elections.

At least 48 people were killed by the police and more than 200 others injured since the advent of the violence.

(AFP/ST)