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Ethiopia regularly records phone calls - ABC5 News Des Moines, IA

 A rights group says that Ethiopia's government regularly listens to and records the phone calls of opposition activists and journalists using equipment provided by foreign technology companies.

Human Rights Watch said in a report Friday that the foreign equipment aids the Ethiopian government's surveillance of perceived political opponents inside and outside the country.

The group's Arvind Ganesan said Ethiopia is using its government-controlled telecom system to silence dissenters. The group says that recorded phone calls with family and friends are often played during abusive interrogations.

Human Rights Watch said most of the monitoring technology is provided by the Chinese firm ZTE. Several European companies have also provided equipment, the group said, including from the U.K., Germany and Italy.

Morgan: I'm free to say whatever l like in RT

Q&A: Ethiopian journalists languish in prison - Features - Al Jazeera English

Government in Addis Ababa refuses to release award-winning journalists jailed under Anti-Terrorism Proclamation. Al Jazeera Last updated: 02 Mar 2014 13:15

Eskinder Nega (L) is serving an 18-year jail term under the 2009 Anti-Terrorism Proclamation [MLDI/Al Jazeera]

As Al Jazeera presses ahead with its campaign to free its journalists detained in Egypt, nine Ethiopian journalists who are receiving less attention continue to languish in prison, held on trumped-up charges of terrorism, according to the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). To mark the 900th day of the imprisonment of award-winning journalist Eskinder Nega, who is serving an 18-year jail term, and the 36th birthday of Woubshet Taye, jailed for 14 years, Al Jazeera speaks to Nani Jansen of the Media Legal Defence Initiative, a London-based NGO that helps journalists around the world defend their rights. Al Jazeera: What are the charges Woubshet Taye and Eskinder Nega are facing? Nani Jansen: Eskinder Nega, Woubshet Taye and many other journalists in Ethiopia, such as Reeyot Alemu, have been charged and convicted under Ethiopia's 2009 Anti-Terrorism Proclamation, a deeply flawed law that is being used by the Ethiopian government to systematically suppress free speech in the country. Because of their work as a journalist, they were deemed to be "participating in a terrorist organisation". In fact, Eskinder was explicitly said to have "used his right to free expression as a cover for terrorism" and most of the so-called evidence presented in the criminal proceedings against them consisted of their journalistic writing. AJ: What kind of legal assistance are they receiving? NJ: Mr Nega is currently representing himself, having decided after his initial conviction that he was better off that way. He filed for an appeal in cassation (the last possible resort in Ethiopia) in May 2013 - he is still waiting for a hearing date. Mr Taye decided not to appeal his conviction and has been hoping for a pardon. So far, the government has refused to grant him one. AJ: What has MLDI done or is doing to have these journalists freed? The Media Legal Defence Initiative has started several international legal proceedings to get Eskinder, Woubshet, and a number of their colleagues released from prison. A series of complaints has been filed with a UN body that has competence to address violations of the right to free speech. The procedure is confidential, I'm sorry; I cannot say which UN body. More importantly, a complaint has been filed at the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights on behalf of Eskinder Nega and Reeyot Alemu, challenging the 2009 Anti-Terrorism Proclamation as such. In their complaint, Mr Nega and Ms Alemu not only present their own case, but demonstrate that there is a pattern of prosecution of journalists under the law. They have asked the Commission to refer the case to the African Court, which can issue a binding decision saying that Ethiopia's laws violate international law. This would be an important step for all journalists in Ethiopia. MLDI is representing Mr Nega and Ms Alemu in these proceedings, together with the US-based NGO Freedom Now. AJ: Ethiopia is notorious for persecuting and jailing critical journalists. Tell us about the working environment for journalists in Ethiopia. NJ: Based on the number of cases we have been supporting in the country and the overview of prosecutions we documented for our complaint at the African Commission, I would say that there is virtually no free space left for independent journalism in the country. Over the past few years we've slowly seen the last independent publications get shut down, their editors jailed and dissenting voices silenced. Consequently, self-censorship is all-pervasive amongst the remaining press. The situation is really very bad. AJ: In an article published by Ethio-Mihidar newspaper, Woubshet Taye said some inmates have died in jail because they have been denied medical treatment. Does the MLDI have information on the circumstances of their detainment? NJ: I can say that our female client in the African Commission case, Reeyot Alemu, has received severely inadequate treatment for the fibroadenoma she was diagnosed with. She has had surgery without anaesthesia, has been left with surgical stitches in her breast for over a year and never received proper aftercare. One of the requests we submitted to the African Commission is that she receive proper medical care as soon as possible. AJ: What kind of pressure can be brought to bear on the Ethiopian government to get the journalists freed given the fact that the government appears to have ignored appeals and condemnation from the international community? NJ: Looking at it from the legal perspective, it would be important for the African Court to get the opportunity to speak out on Ethiopia's abuse of its anti-terror laws. The Commission has to refer the case to the Court, so we hope that they will do so soon so there is chance of a binding decision that would force Ethiopia to amend its legislation as well as the way it is using it to stifle dissent. Generally speaking, it is important that the wider public becomes aware of the fact that these prosecutions under anti-terrorism laws to punish free speech are not isolated incidents in one or two countries, but part of a wider pattern taking place in many countries worldwide. It is important that each and every country employing these tactics, including Ethiopia, be held to account for this.

New report calls on Ethiopia to reform repressive anti-terror law

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Ethiopia’s use of sweeping anti-terrorism law to imprison journalists and other legislative restrictions are hindering the development of free and independent media in Africa’s second largest country, according to a report published by The World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) and the International Press Institute (IPI).

Dozens of journalists and political activists have been arrested or sentenced under the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation of 2009, including five journalists who are serving prison sentences and who at times have been denied access to visitors and legal counsel. The report, “Press Freedom in Ethiopia”, is based on a mission to the country carried out in November 2013 by WAN-IFRA and IPI.

“Despite a strong constitutional basis for press freedom and freedom of information, the Ethiopian government has systematically used the anti-terrorism law to prosecute and frighten journalists, which has put a straight-jacket on the media,” IPI Executive Director Alison Bethel McKenzie said. “Our joint mission also found a disturbing pattern of using other measures to control the press and restrict independent journalism, including restrictions on foreign media ownership and the absence of an independent public broadcaster.”

The report urges the Ethiopian government to free journalists convicted under the sedition provisions of the 2009 measure.  Mission delegates were barred access to the journalists, who are being held at Kaliti Prison near the capital Addis Ababa.

"We call on the Ethiopian government to release all journalists convicted under the sedition provisions of the country’s 2009 anti-terrorism laws, including Eskinder Nega, Solomon Kebede, Wubset Taye, Reyot Alemu, and Yusuf Getachew”, WAN-IFRA President, Tomas Brunegård said. "Ethiopia's economic and social development is paramount to peace and prosperity in the horn of Africa and whilst the misuse of its anti-terror legislation continues, that peace and prosperity is at risk".

The report urges the 547-member lower house of parliament to revamp the anti-terror law to ensure that it does not trample on the rights of freedom of speech and assembly provided under Article 29 of the Ethiopian Constitution and further guaranteed under the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and the U.N. Human Rights Covenant, which Ethiopia has ratified.

In addition, the report:

- Recommends that Ethiopian lawmakers review laws that bar foreign investment in media, measures that inhibit the development of an economically viable and diversified market.

- Urges the courts to ensure that rulings restrict press freedom only in cases of intentional incitement or clear participation in acts of terrorism, and that judges act independently to protect the public’s right to be informed about political dissent and acts of terrorism.

- Urges Ethiopia’s journalists and media owners to step up cooperation to improve professionalism and independence, and to form a unified front to defend press freedom.

The joint IPI/WAN-IFRA mission was carried from Nov. 3 to 6, just ahead of the African Media Leaders Forum (AMLF) in Addis Ababa. The organisations’ representatives met with more than 30 editors, journalists, lawyers, politicians and bloggers, as well as associates of the imprisoned journalists. The delegation also held meetings with the ambassadors of Austria and the United States, a senior African Union official, an Ethiopian lawmaker and government spokesman Redwan Hussien.

The organisations urged Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn to free the imprisoned journalists, some of whom are suffering from deteriorating health. In a joint statement issued immediately following the mission, IPI and WAN-IFRA also expressed their commitment to helping improve the professionalism, quality and independence of journalism in Ethiopia.

While the report highlights a long history of press freedom violations in Ethiopia, including a crackdown on journalists and opposition politicians following the country’s 2005 national elections, it notes that the 2009 anti-terrorism law has given the government expansive powers.

“The 2009 anti-terrorism law gave new powers to the government to arrest those deemed seditious, including journalists who step beyond the bounds of politically acceptable reporting or commentary,” the report says. “Armed with statutory authority, the government has not shied from using the laws to bludgeon opposition figures and journalists. Dozens of journalists have been imprisoned or accused of sedition or fomenting unrest, forcing many to flee the country.”

The report notes other forms of pressure by the government. Independent journalists recalled being the target of smear campaigns by state-run media, while editors recounted that managers of the government-run printing press refused to print editions of newspapers containing controversial articles.

The report does note positive developments, such as the growth in advertising and readership for some of the country’s leading independent newspapers. Journalists and newspaper publishers also expressed a desire to improve professionalism, quality and solidarity; although they added that government pressure and laws continue to create hurdles to self-regulation and cooperation.

“We came away from Ethiopia recognising the tremendous potential for a highly competitive, professional and successful media market in Ethiopia,” Bethel McKenzie said. “But to make this happen, the Ethiopian government must remove the roadblocks, starting with the release of imprisoned journalists and then conduct a thorough review of the laws to ensure that reporting on legitimate criticism or dissent is not grounds for prosecution.”

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Attachments

• Report_Ethiopia_Press_Freedom_Mission_Nov_2013.FINAL_.pdf

Report



• Wubset Taye (imprisoned in June 2011) - Awramba Times • Reeyot Alemu (imprisoned in June 2011) – Feteh • Eskinder Nega (imprisoned in September 2011) – Satenaw  9 • Yusuf Getachew (imprisoned in July 2012) - Muslim Affairs • Solomon Kebede (imprisoned in April 20130 – Muslim Affairs





PRESS FREEDOM IN ETHIOPIA IPI/WAN-IFRA Press Freedom Mission Report | November 2013        OVERVIEW  From Nov. 3-6, 2013, the International Press Institute (IPI) and the World Association of Newspapers (WAN-IFRA) carried out a joint fact-finding mission to Ethiopia, where five journalists have been imprisoned since 2011 and numerous others have been tried in absentia under the country’s anti-terrorism law.  The joint mission met with editors, journalists, lawyers, politicians and bloggers as well as associates of the imprisoned journalists to discuss the media climate in the country. The delegation also held meetings with diplomats and Redwan Hussien, the government spokesman who engaged in a frank, two-hour discussion with IPI and representatives of another organisation, the African Media Initiative.
The WAN-IFRA/IPI fact-finding mission represented a rare opportunity for two of the world’s leading press freedom and publishing organisations to get firsthand information and question journalists and other stakeholders. It also gave the delegation the opportunity to learn of the challenges journalists and publishers face, including self-censorship, restrictions on foreign media ownership and the dominant position played by state-run radio and television.  The mission was held in advance of the African Media Leaders Forum, held Nov. 6-8 in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, which provided an additional platform for discussion of the challenges faced by Ethiopian journalists. The forum was also an opportunity to highlight the press freedom challenges in Ethiopia and across Africa through a panel chaired by IPI Executive Director Alison Bethel McKenzie. A second panel,“Classified, Censored, Imprisoned - Why Media Laws Need Reform,” was chaired by WAN-IFRA Press Freedom Director Alison Meston.        
3
PRESS FREEDOM IN ETHIOPIA IPI/WAN-IFRA Press Freedom Mission Report | November 2013   The mission comprised IPI Executive Director Alison Bethel McKenzie and WAN-IFRA President Tomas Brunegård; IPI board members Ferial Haffajee, editor-in-chief of City Press in South Africa, and Kabiru Yusuf, chairman of Media Trust Ltd. in Nigeria; Alison Meston, press freedom director for WAN-IFRA; and Timothy Spence, IPI senior press freedom adviser for Africa and the Middle East.  Regrettably, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn’s office did not respond to repeated requests for a meeting. But in an address before delegates of the AMLF, the prime minister said his government planned to increase the capacity of the media and is encouraging the news media to establish their own self-regulatory mechanisms. “There is always room for improvement and as a developing country, we are open to suggestions on improving our media industry,” said Hailemariam, making no mention of the imprisoned journalists.  IPI/WAN-IFRA also were not granted access to the imprisoned journalists. 

Despite the enormous challenges facing the news media in Ethiopia, the delegation did take note of many positive developments and sees that Ethiopia’s large population (85 million ) 1 and promising economy offer fertile territory for a successful and competitive news environment. The delegation noted that some newspapers report a healthy growth in advertising and readership. There is also greater evidence of a willingness of print publishers to cooperate on joint investment in printing presses to unlock the virtual monopoly held by the state. There is an evident desire among journalists themselves to improve professionalism and the quality of their media, as well as undertake professional exchanges with other African countries – although many acknowledged that government pressure and self-censorship continue to hold down the potential for quality, independent journalism.  Based on the visit and numerous productive discussions, IPI and WAN-IFRA:  • Call on the Ethiopian government to immediately free all journalists convicted under sedition provisions of the country’s 2009 anti-terrorism law. These journalists include Solomon Kebede, Wubset Taye, Reeyot Alemu, Eskinder Nega and Yusuf Getachew. • Urge the 547-member lower house of parliament to revamp the anti-terror law of 2009 to ensure that it does not trample on the rights of freedom of speech and assembly provided under Article 29 of the Constitution and further guaranteed under the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and the UN’s Universal Declaration, which Ethiopia has ratified. Specifically, lawmakers need to reconsider sections 2(6), 4 and 6 of the anti-terrorism law that have been used to prosecute dozens of journalists and opposition politicians who challenge government policies. • Call on Ethiopian lawmakers to review laws that bar foreign investment in media, measures that inhibit the development of an economically viable and diversified
 United Nations Statistics Division (2011 estimate), http://data.un.org/CountryProfile.aspx? 1 crName=ethiopia#Summary. Ethiopia is Africa’s second most populous country, after Nigeria.
4
PRESS FREEDOM IN ETHIOPIA IPI/WAN-IFRA Press Freedom Mission Report | November 2013 
market. • Urge the Ethiopian courts to ensure that rulings restrict press freedom only in cases of intentional incitement or clear participation in acts of terrorism, and that judges act independently to protect the public’s right to be informed about political dissent and acts of terrorism. • Urge Ethiopia’s often-fragmented and partisan media to step up cooperation to improve professionalism and independence, and to form a unified front to defend press freedom. • Call on publishers to pursue joint investment in media training, distribution and infrastructure. Increased cooperation between news organisations would foster a freer and more conducive environment for competition in news gathering and reporting.  IPI and WAN-IFRA also stand by to help transform the media climate in Ethiopia, by offering help to lawmakers in revamping media and anti-terror legislation, and to assist in improving the quality of reporting, particularly ahead of scheduled parliamentary elections in 2015. While the IPI/WAN-IFRA representatives saw a broad commitment among journalists to electoral coverage based on sound, in-depth reporting, there is concern about the current level of determination to cover national elections through neutral but vigorous reporting, as well as a palpable fear of government reprisal.   MISSION MEETINGS  The IPI/WAN-IFRA fact-finding mission represented a rare opportunity for the leading press freedom and publishing organisations to get firsthand information and face-to-face contact with journalists and other stakeholders. It also gave the delegation the opportunity to freely discuss the challenges journalists and publishers face, including restrictions on foreign media ownership and near-total state dominance of radio and television.  The joint mission met with more than 30 editors, journalists, lawyers, politicians and bloggers as well as associates of the imprisoned journalists to discuss media challenges in the country. The delegation also solicited written comments from the African Union rapporteur on freedom of expression, Pansy Tlakula, who was not in Addis Ababa during the mission. In addition, mission representatives met with:  • Austrian Ambassador Dr. Gudrun Graf • US Ambassador Patricia M. Haslach • Heinz Habertheuer, head, Austrian Development Cooperation Office in Ethiopia • Redwan Hussien, spokesman for the Ethiopian government • Ambassador Jean-Baptiste Natama, chief of staff to the chairwoman of the African Union Commission  However, due to the cautious political environment in the country, representatives of IPI and WAN-IFRA agreed to meet with journalists, politicians, media activists, lawyers and
5
PRESS FREEDOM IN ETHIOPIA IPI/WAN-IFRA Press Freedom Mission Report | November 2013 
associates of the imprisoned journalists on the condition of anonymity.  At least two 2 journalists who initially agreed to meet with the delegation declined at the last minute, expressing concern that they might be under surveillance by the security services.  In a joint statement following the mission, IPI and WAN-IFRA expressed appreciation for the willingness of a broad cross-section of officials and media representatives to meet with the delegation but regretted that restrictions barred representatives from seeing the imprisoned journalists. IPI and WAN-IFRA also expressed appreciation for the Ethiopian government’s commitment to equitable and sustainable development in one of the world’s poorest countries. But the organisations also emphasised that strong news media, including an independent public broadcaster, play an invaluable role in achieving those objectives. 3   BACKGROUND  Ethiopia has had a history of government control over the news media, with state radio, television and newspapers serving as little more than mouthpieces for those in power during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie and the military junta, or Derg, that followed him. After the overthrow of the Soviet-backed Derg, the transitional government introduced a new Constitution in 1995, with Article 29 providing for freedom of speech, expression and the media. But in practice the constitutional guarantees have provided little cover for journalists. 4  The news media – mostly newspapers and foreign-based Internet sites – did enjoy a period of relative openness in the decade after the constitution was ratified. Dozens of independent newspapers and opposition publications appeared in Addis Ababa, although many were of poor quality and struggled financially.  Also around this time, the first private journalism training schools began to open while Addis Ababa University expanded its journalism programme with international support. IPI sent representatives to Ethiopia in 2004 to help shape emerging media legislation, including a provision that for the first time allowed a limited number of licences for private radio stations.
 Anonymous sources of information are not ideal in either news coverage or reports such as this. However, IPI 2 and WAN-IFRA agreed to guard the identity of the non-public officials interviewed for this report. Unless oth- erwise quoted directly, the comments and observations in this report are backed by multiple sources and/or per- sonal observations of delegation members.
 “IPI, WAN-IFRA end four-day Ethiopia mission with joint call for release of imprisoned journalists,” IPI, 3 Nov. 7, 2013, http://www.freemedia.at/home/singleview/article/ipi-wan-ifra-end-four-day-ethiopia-mission- with-joint-call-for-release-of-imprisoned-journalists.html
 The country has also ratified the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and the UN’s Universal Dec 4 - laration.

A second African Jurnalist of BBC Anne Waithera dies of cancer this week

Anne Waithera: Kenyan BBC journalist dies of cancer
Anne Waithera
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Kenya-based BBC broadcast journalist Anne Waithera has died, aged 39, in a Nairobi hospital.

She had been battling cancer for the past two years.

Described as among the most talented Kenyan journalists of her time, she joined the BBC in 2009 after many years with local TV and radio stations.

She was the first BBC bilingual - English and Swahili - reporter to be appointed to the Ethiopia capital, Addis Ababa.

Her death comes less than a fortnight after that of another celebrated BBC journalist, Komla Dumor from Ghana, in London.

A minute's silence was observed by BBC Africa staff in Nairobi, London, Dakar and Abuja.

BBC Africa editor Solomon Mugera described her as "a brave, well-organised and talented journalist".

BBC international bureaux manager Razvan Scortea added: "I am very saddened by this. Anne was a lovely person, bright, gentle and positive, and she fought so hard. God bless her."


Anne Waithera reports on Kenya's fight against malaria in 2012