IPI retained Ethiopia on its Watch list

IPI Watch List Report
Ethiopia
Ethiopia was placed on the IPI Watch List at a board meeting on 15 May 2004. A press release announcing the decision quoted IPI Director Johann P. Fritz as saying, "While I acknowledge the severe problems in the areas of poverty, education, health and food production in Ethiopia and the pressures these place on the government, the IPI Executive Board felt that the forthcoming elections could lead to greater difficulties for press freedom and access to information and, with this in mind, it was decided that IPI should pay careful attention to the Ethiopia media environment in order to support journalists."
November 2007 Update
Although some journalists were released from prison this year, the government of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi continues to prosecute and jail members of the media profession. The independent media in Ethiopia is slowly disappearing: newspapers have been banned, Websites have been blocked and the only television broadcaster is the state-run Ethiopian Television. As a result, in the latter part of 2007, there was a continuing decline in press freedom.
In June, four journalists, Andualem Ayele Legesse of the Ethiop newspaper, Mesfin Tesfaye Gobena of Abay, Wonakseged Zeleke Tessema of Asqual and Dawit Fasil Woldeselassie of Satenaw were convicted of charges carrying life imprisonment or death.
The journalists were arrested after the government carried out a crackdown on the media and opposition groups in November 2005 following post-election protests. The Addis Ababa court also convicted three publishers on related charges. Two months before these convictions, the Ethiopian government had released eight journalists.
Following their convictions, the prosecutor in the cases demanded the death penalty for the journalists. The decision led to strong criticism from the international community, including the International Federation of Journalists, which stated, "sadly Ethiopia has a long history of trampling press freedom but sentencing these journalists to death would push the country to a new low for human rights and freedom of expression." Based on reports, a negotiated deal was discussed whereby the prisoners would recognise their culpability in return for a pardon.
On 27 July, the four editors, and two academics sentenced alongside them, were released following a presidential pardon. In early August, four more journalists received heavy jail sentences. Editors Dawit Kebede of Hadar and Wosonseged Gebrekidan of Addis Zena were sentenced to four years in prison each on charges of "inciting and conspiring to commit outrages to the constitutional order," while editor Goshu Moges of Lisane Hezeb and freelance columnist Tadios Tantu were convicted on similar charges. On 20 August, the journalists were released on a conditional pardon. The Ethiopian government said they could continue their media activities, but were forbidden from engaging in "any subversive action against the Constitution." A spokesperson also said they could return to criticising the government and denied that guilty confessions were obtained from the journalists through duress.
In September, there were attempts to force the Ethiopian government to provide information about detained Eritrean journalists, Tesfalidet Kidane Tesfazghi and Saleh Idris Gama form the Eritrean state broadcaster Eri-TV.
During April, a video trilogy titled "The Strategy of Sowing Discord by Isaias [Afewerki's] Eritrean Clique," which appeared on an Ethiopian government Website Waltainfo, suggested the journalists were involved in military activities in Somalia. The journalists had been sent to Mogadishu by the Eritrean government, but later went towards Kenya, reaching the border, before Kenyan forces intercepted them. They were held for three weeks and then handed over to the Ethiopian authorities. According to the video testimony, the journalists have admitted their connection to the Eritrean military. In response, the Ethiopian government refused to comment on the whereabouts of the two journalists.

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Former political prisoner says thanks at talk in Beach

By DAVE FORSTER, The Virginian-Pilot
VIRGINIA BEACH
Yacob Hailemariam is thankful he is no longer a political prisoner, but he is far from satisfied.
Hailemariam, 63, spoke Wednesday night at an interfaith Thanksgiving service of about 100 people at Congregation Beth Chaverim and thanked the community for its support for him while he was behind bars.
The former Norfolk State University professor was freed in July after 21 months of imprisonment in Ethiopia after he advocated for democratic change and won a parliamentary seat there in 2005.
Hailemariam wants to return to his homeland and continue the push for democratic reforms.
"Ethiopia hasn't moved an inch" toward democracy and human rights, he said. "The fight has to go on."
He has said that the support he received from Norfolk State and the Hampton Roads community boosted his morale while he was in prison.
"I really don't deserve such an outpouring of love," he said. "It was really humbling what Hampton Roads did for me."
Hailemariam and about three dozen other opposition leaders were convicted earlier this year of crimes against the government.
The human-rights group Amnesty International called the defendants "prisoners of conscience." They were sentenced in July to life in prison, but the Ethiopian government pardoned them days later and released them.
Hailemariam taught business law for nearly 20 years at Norfolk State but retired to return to Ethiopia when the country announced it would hold democratic elections in 2005.

Dave Forster, (757) 222-5563, dave.forster@pilotonline.com

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More than two years later: Ethiopian journalists still seek resettlement

Written By: Moneer Al-Omari (YEMEN POST STAFF)
Article Date: November 19, 2007
It's been over two years and about 100 Ethiopian newspaper editors and journalists are still trying to find a stable and peaceful life. Their only crime is that they helped spread public awareness in their country at a time of dictatorship and army ruled government. They kept fleeing their country over the last few years, especially following the general Ethiopian elections conducted in May 15, 2005, according to Daniel Gezahegen, who was the editor-in-chief of the Addis Ababa-based Mogad newspaper. Further, over 20 opposition editors are still in prison.

Several international human rights and press organizations have criticized Ethiopia for its low record in this respect and asked the government to stop its suppression against editors and journalists and to respect human rights.
To escape the regime's further suppression and prison, Ethiopian editors have sought refugee status in different countries and some of them have been accepted and resettled in their hosting countries; while others have not or they are in the process.
Along with Gezahegen, another journalist who chose Yemen to host them was Tamrat Serbessa. He left behind his own families and people. They risked their lives in a hazardous journey heading to Yemen as they reached Aden earlier this year.
Gezahegen was the editor-in-chief of Addis Ababa-based Mogad, an Amharic language newspaper and Serbesa was editor-in-chief of the private Amharic-language weekly Satanaw.
He was arrested several times over writings criticizing the regime and outspoken articles published in his news paper, the last of which was in 2005 over covering the post-elections unrest and the alleged defamation of the Ethiopian Air force affiliates as well as defying the ruling system. He was set free after he paid a bail mounting to $ 114.
His fellow editor Serbesa was arrested as well over defaming the ruling system and contesting the legality of the May 15 elections. He was jailed on July 8, 2005 for one day and released on bail.
Both editors complain their life is difficult in Yemen and they cannot do anything about it, especially when Gezahegen is diabetic and Serbesa is partially paralyzed. They further note the have spent over two years in Yemen and applied to UNHCR for refugee status; however, they are not accepted until now.
"We have suffered a lot and we lead a very awful life since our arrival in Aden early in 2006. We spent few months in an Aden's old and open building, which used to be an Indian hotel in the past. We lived on people's help. Later police raided the place and forced them out the building," Gezahegen narrated.
He went on to say that a fellow Ethiopian journalist offered him to reside with him in Sana'a and thus he shifted to Sana'a along with Serbesa. However, his living in Sana'a is no better than Aden and Gezahesgen alleges his life is not safe and the Sana'a-based Ethiopian Embassy affiliates chase him and his friend.
Now, he wishes the UNHCR would accept his application or work to relocate him in the US.
"We want nothing just to be granted refugee status by the UNHCR here in Yemen or to be relocated somewhere. About two years have elapsed since we arrived in Yemen and our case has not changed," maintained.
The two journalists are now in Yemen, only hoping that their long patience is worth the wait. "We have lived in Yemen for nearly one year, and we still await justice as well as support from our colleague journalists," concluded Gezahegen.
The journalist complain the lack of support they have received CPJ. They claim that their last release of CPJ was months ago, but did not help at all.
Today they live a life of unemployment and count on their friends and colleagues to support them financially. "Our friends and colleagues who where lucky enough to be exiled to the United States are the ones who support us with the little they have. We appreciate their efforts and support."
The suffering will continue for the Ethiopian journalist until; a final destination is found for them. It has been years since they have seen their wife and children, but they continue to be hopeful. "One day will come when we will get our right. With patience their will always be prosperity, Gezahegen concluded.

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Verdict to be passed on Ethiopian activists for treason charges

(CIVICUS) Anti-poverty activists Daniel Bekele and Netsanet Demissie are due to hear their verdict on treason related charges on Thursday, 22 November, after numerous judicial delays. If found guilty, they could face life imprisonment or death sentences.
Daniel and Netsanet, coordinators of the Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP) in Ethiopia, are the last two accused in the high profile Ethiopian treason trial that originally charged 131 politicians, journalists, organisations and civil society leaders. Daniel and Netsanet assisted in monitoring the May 2005 election – peaceful and legitimate civil society work for which they have been detained since November 2005 on allegations of conspiracy to overthrow the government.
Thousands were detained following protests accusing the government of rigging the 15 May 2005 parliamentary elections. Many of the accused were acquitted during the course of the trial. Others were convicted but pardoned in July and August 2007 – all of whom had allegedly signed a confession. Although Daniel and Netsanet they were asked to sign a similar statement, declined. They argue that their activities in 2005 were entirely legal and did not serve to undermine, but rather to protect and promote Ethiopia’s constitutional order.
“Civil society around the world is standing by Daniel and Netsanet in solidarity until they are found innocent of these unfounded treason charges. If monitoring elections is treason, then what is left to remain patriotic about? Our friends have been loyal the constitution of Ethiopia in that they stand for truth and for the upliftment of Ethiopia and its citizens.” said Kumi Naidoo, Chair of GCAP and Secretary General of CIVICUS, who will be in Addis Ababa to support the men in court on Thursday.
Background Notes on trial of Netsanet Demissie and Daniel Bekele
19 November 2007
How are CIVICUS and GCAP active in Ethiopia?
CIVICUS and GCAP have been actively rallying support and solidarity around their case since their arrest in November 2005.
In April 2006, a group of prominent civil society leaders – Kumi Naidoo; Archbishop Ndungane of Cape Town; Salil Shetty, Director of the UN Millennium Campaign and Henry Malumo of GCAP Africa – visited Ethiopia and met with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi to express their concern about the case. Prime Minister Zenawi reassured the team that the trial would be fair and swift, but that they must let justice system proceed without interference. The Prime Minister also agreed to allow the re-establishment of GCAP in Ethiopia.
Aside from this high level action, CIVICUS has organised many appeal campaigns, reminding the Ethiopian government that civil society activists around the world continue to watch the case.
Most recently, CIVICUS and GCAP organised an International Day of Solidarity with Daniel and Netsanet on 28 June 2007. Organisations and individuals in more than 10 countries wrote letters and organised events supporting Daniel and Netsanet.

What are CIVICUS and GCAP asking for?
We are asking for the swift completion of the trial, and the acquittal of Daniel and Netsanet.
We are also asking the government of Ethiopia to respect the rights of civil society organisations and actors in Ethiopia to freely associate, assemble and express themselves without fear. These rights are enshrined in the constitution of Ethiopia, as well as the African Charter of Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Since the arrest and detention of Daniel and Netsanet, as well as political opposition leaders, journalists and trade unionists in Ethiopia, civil society has been plunged into a state of paralysis, where they are afraid to be publicly critical of government policy. We ask that the government support the vital work of civil society, and reassure activists that they can peacefully engage with the government, without fear of harassment, arrest and detention.

What are Daniel and Netsanet accused of?
Netsanet Demissie and Daniel Bekele are two civil society activists, who have no political connection, and appear to have been arrested solely on the basis of their legitimate critique of the government during their anti-poverty and human rights work. They were both organizers and members of the executive committee of the Network of Ethiopian NGO's and CSOs that monitored the 15 May 2005 election. They are also both coordinators of the Global Call to Action against Poverty (GCAP) in Ethiopia.
Both have been detained since November 2005 and their case began on 2 May 2006. They were charged alongside around 131 others, who were political opposition members and journalists, facing charges including treason and genocide.
Daniel and Netsanet are being charged with criminal conspiracy with the intention of overthrowing the constitution or constitutional order. This charge carries a possible sentence of life imprisonment or death. They have been consistently denied bail, even upon appeal. Both Daniel and Netsanet are recognised as Amnesty International Prisoners of Conscience.

Could you tell me about the trial’s background, and its current status?
At the start of the trial in May 2006, 131 opposition politicians, journalists and civil society leaders stood accused of a range of charges from genocide to treason. They were among thousands who were detained following protests accusing the government of rigging the 15 May 2005 presidential elections.
In April 2007, the charges of high treason and genocide were dropped against all the defendants, leaving them accused of charges including “outrage against the constitution or constitutional order;” “obstruction of the exercise of constitutional powers;” “inciting, organising and leading armed rebellion,” and “impairing the defence power of the state.”
On 11 June 2007, in the trial’s first verdicts, 38 journalists and opposition politicians were found guilty. The Prime Minister pardoned this 38 on 20 July. Another 33 others were later sentenced and pardoned on 18 August. Altogether, approximately 61 were sentenced and then pardoned.
Prior to their sentencing and pardon, these approximately 61 reportedly signed an undisclosed statement, admitting that they used "unconstitutional means to change the constitutionally established government functions” following the 2005 elections.
Although they were asked to sign a similar statement, Daniel and Netsanet declined. They argue that their activities in 2005 were entirely legal and did not serve to undermine, but rather to protect and promote Ethiopia’s constitutional order. They wish to establish this in court and secure their acquittal. Had they agreed to sign the statement, it would have undermined civil society in Ethiopia.
Daniel and Netsanet presented their defence from 27 July until 2 August, calling 29 witnesses and presenting 300 pages of documentary evidence. Their witnesses included members of the opposition party CUD and a UN election observer, all who pointed to Daniel and Netsanet’s innocence.
Both the prosecution and the defence have now submitted their final statements (albeit 5 weeks later than expected).
Their verdict was originally set for Tuesday, 9 October 2007 at 9am in Addis, however judges have delayed giving the verdict until 22 November 2007. Because the final statements were submitted later than expected, giving the judges less time to deliberate, they said they needed more time to decide.

What are the possible outcomes of the case?
Whenever the judgment is given there are obviously two possible verdicts – innocent or guilty; but more importantly there are three possible outcomes:-

1-Acquitted - innocent & freed immediately;
2-Guilty, but freed
immediately – they could be sentenced to a period less or equal to the time they
have already served, so therefore released.
3-Guilty & further
imprisonment – they could receive an additional prison sentence. This could also
result in them being pardoned later (as happened in the other cases)

If innocent:

We would welcome this verdict, and celebrate the release of Daniel and Netsanet.
However, we must also stress that civil society continues to be restricted in Ethiopia. Daniel and Netsanet’s release is a step in the right direction, but the government must go further. Daniel and Netsanet’s case has frightened civil society activists in Ethiopia, intimidating them from speaking out against government policy for fear of meeting the same fate. The government of Ethiopia must ensure that civil society is able to operate freely.
We are also happy to hear that the ban on internal text messaging has recently been lifted, allowing people to text message freely. It has been impossible for the duration of the case.

If guilty:
If they are found guilty, there will be a delay as the judges deliberate on the appropriate sentence. This would be a difficult and extremely uncomfortable time for all involved as we would be waiting to see whether a) they receive a sentence of two years or less and would therefore be freed immediately because of the time already spent in prison, or b) they are given a longer sentence, perhaps of the order of five to ten years, and therefore remain incarcerated.
If they receive a sentence of two or less years, we would welcome their freedom, but express shock that they now have criminal records for their legitimate civil society work.
If they receive a longer sentence, it would be a shock to all the trial observers, family, friends, colleagues, the diplomatic community and the many supportive governments and international institutions; and a massive blow to international civil society.

What happened during the 15 May elections in Ethiopia?
Immediately following the 15 May 2005 presidential elections, the opposition alleged rigging by the government and ruling party. Opposition supporters demonstrated in Addis Ababa, accusing the ruling party of fraud and the national election board of bias. Peaceful demonstrations led to violent confrontations with security forces, and at least 36 protesters were killed. Over 9,000 opposition supporters, journalists and activists were detained, but released by end of June.
In a second series of opposition demonstrations in November 2005, police shot dead at least 42 protesters, wounding many others. The security forces arrested about 10,000 opposition supporters. After this second demonstration the Prime Minister Meles Zenawi accused the opposition of treason and organizing a violent uprising to overthrow the government. Before the election, he had also claimed the opposition was encouraging ethnic hatred that could lead to genocide.

Tell me a little more about Daniel and Netsanet:
Daniel Bekele is a human rights lawyer who is Head of Policy Research and Advocacy Department of ActionAid Ethiopia, a branch of ActionAid International. He has been an active participant in a number of civil society organizations and professional associations such as the Ethiopian Bar Association and the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association in gender discriminatory law reform initiatives, human rights & women rights education and defending women in difficult situations. He was the lead drafts person of the civil society alternative draft legislation on registration and operation of CSO/NGOs in Ethiopia.

Netsanet Demessie is Executive Director and co-founder of the Ethiopian NGO, Organisation for Social Justice in Ethiopia (OSJE), which began its work in September 2004. OSJE was an anchor of a local network of approximately thirty-five local NGOs and CSOs that organized to deploy domestic monitors during the May 2005 Ethiopian National Parliamentary elections. The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) attempted to change its policy regarding the qualifications for domestic monitoring within a few short weeks of the election. Netsanet was instrumental in organizing the class action suit in April 2005 that defeated the proposed Directive of the NEBE.

For more information or interviews, please contact:
· Micha Hollestelle, CIVICUS Media Manager, mobile phone at +27 (0) 766 33 8525, or per mail at micha.hollestelle@civicus.org, http://www.civicus.org/
· Ciara O’Sullivan, GCAP Media Coordinator, mobile phone at +34 679 594 809, or per mail at ciara_os@hotmail.com, http://www.whiteband.org/