In Ethiopia, five detained journalists pressured to apologise for terrorism

Ethiopian authorities are reportedly pressuring five journalists, detained for three years on terrorism charges, to apologize for their reporting on unrest in the Amhara region in exchange for their freedom. Gobeze Sisay, Meskerem Abera, Genet Asmamaw, Dawit Begashaw, and Abay Zewdu have refused to sign apology letters, which their lawyer, Solomon Gezahagn, described as "self-incriminating."

The journalists were arrested in 2023. Their lawyer stated that prison officials have threatened his clients and isolated them from other prisoners to force them to write apology letters. The government allegedly provided a draft document and promised to stop working as journalists. "After keeping these five journalists behind bars for years and delaying their trials, Ethiopian authorities are now trying to blackmail them into confessing to crimes that they have already denied in court," said CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Muthoki Mumo.

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After keeping these five journalists behind bars for years and delaying their trials, Ethiopian authorities are now trying to blackmail them into confessing to crimes that they have already denied in court.

Media reports indicate that over 300 individuals, including politicians and journalists, facing terrorism charges related to the Amhara conflict have been asked to sign similar apology letters. The insurgency began in 2023 after a government decision to integrate regional militias into the federal army. The Fano militia took up arms against federal forces. Approximately 30 detainees have refused to sign, asserting they will not declare themselves criminals while contesting the charges.

Government officials reportedly asked the journalists to "take responsibility" for the crisis, lives lost, and property destroyed, promising not to participate in similar activities and agreeing to unspecified government actions if they breach the commitment. In February, a federal court found sufficient evidence to proceed with the case against four of the journalists, with their defense adjourned until November 19. A separate case against Abay Zewdu is awaiting a court ruling on sufficient evidence, with his next hearing scheduled for October 16. Conviction could lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty.

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self-incriminating