ethiopia: Editor-in-chief summoned, released on bail

IFEX - News from the international freedom of expression community
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ALERT - ETHIOPIA

13 October 2003

Editor-in-chief summoned, released on bail

SOURCE: Ethiopian Free Press Journalists' Association (EFJA), Addis Ababa

(EFJA/IFEX) - On 9 October 2003, Wessenseged Gebrekidan, editor-in-chief of the
weekly newspaper "Etiop", was summoned by the Central Investigation Department.
Gebrekidan reported to police and was released on bail of Eth. Birr 5,000
(approx. US$585) after making a statement.

The editor was summoned in connection with a news item entitled "National
Military Service Proclamation promptly approved". The item was published in
"Etiop" newspaper on 9 April.

Gebrekidan has been accused of "disseminating fabricated information" in the
news item, which referred to the "National Military Service Proclamation"
instead of the "National Reserve Army". It is not known whether his case will be
brought before the Federal High Court.

For further information, contact Kifle Mulat, President, EFJA, P.O. Box 31317 /
33232, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, tel/fax: +251 1 55 50 21, mobile: +251 1 (09) 222
939, e-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

The information contained in this alert is the sole responsibility of EFJA. In
citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit EFJA.
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