Ethiopia: Journalists Live in Fear of 'Terror' Law
By Charlayne Hunter-Gault, 19 June 2012guest column
Nowhere across Africa is the message that its people want a way out of what I call "the four Ds" - death, disease, disaster and despair - more resounding than among the continent's journalists.
In nation after nation, they are attempting to inform their people of their rights and encourage them to hold their governments accountable. For that, many of them are being held accountable in the most draconian ways.
I have seen this first hand in Zimbabwe, where Robert Mugabe's regime has long attempted to conceal the repression of its people. Journalists have fought back and continue to yell truth to power, although they still face the prospect of jail as a consequence.
And most recently, I have seen it in Ethiopia, where Eskinder Nega, a journalist I visited seven years ago in Kalati Prison, along with his pregnant wife, Serkalem Fasil (who gave birth in prison) is back there on charges of terrorism. What appears to have been his crime is that he also continues to tell, if not yell, truth to power, although the government is actually prosecuting him for what they say is his membership in a terrorist network that advocates violence. As proof, during his trial they showed a video in which he questioned whether an Arab Spring-type uprising could ever happen in Ethiopia.
The government has empowered itself to prosecute what they see as dissent like this with a sweeping anti-terrorism law that is, effectively, a weapon that can be used against anyone daring to criticize the government in a way the government doesn't like.
One journalist who published Eskinder's statement in court was also convicted, but got a suspended four-month sentence. Dozens of journalists have fled into exile and six have been charged with terrorism in absentia, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
When I visited Ethiopia earlier this month with a colleague from the CPJ and the continent-wide project called the African Media Initiative, journalists we met with told us they all live in fear, calling the terrorism law a "game changer." One foreigner working in Ethiopia told me: "There is a red line. The problem is, we don't know where it is."
When we met Simon Bereket, Ethiopia's Minister of Information, he defended the incarceration of Eskinder and the seven other journalists locked up with him on the grounds that they were involved in terrorism. In a polite but firm dissent, he said neither Eskinder nor any of the other journalists were in prison for what they wrote.
When we asked to see Eskinder and the others in prison, we were told that it was not likely and that turned out to be the case. But his wife, Serkalem, who was recently in New York receiving on Eskinder's behalf a prestigious freedom of the press award from PEN America, told us when we met her in Addis that Eskinder had asked her to tell us that he was in no way connected with any terrorist group-there or in the United States.
She also told us that he said that if the price of telling the truth was imprisonment, he could live with that. Of course, when the verdict is handed down - which is scheduled to happen Thursday - Eskinder could be sentenced to life in prison or death.
Part of the reason for my involvement with journalists and their issues in Ethiopia and other parts of the continent is to try to present a much-maligned continent in a light different to that in which it is often portrayed elsewhere in the world: in a light that makes it clear that Africans want as much as anyone else to make choices about themselves and their children in an informed way, and that they have the same hopes and aspirations for themselves, their families and their communities as do people in democracies the world over.
Imperfect as many democracies are, their governments do not put people in jail for words that come out of their mouths and the freedom-loving desires that live in their hearts. That's why, as an American, I hope that my countrymen and women who have that right should get on Ethiopia's case. They should insist that a U.S. government which is pledged to ensure those rights in America should also help ensure them in Ethiopia. And I hope they will be joined by freedom-loving people all over the world, including on the African continent.
But Ethiopia stands as a partner with the United States, in particular, in fighting REAL terrorists, including Al Qaeda, in a strategic part of the world. Surely the economic assistance the U.S. has provided Ethiopia in the past and the $350 million in assistance it is asking for in 2013 gives it some weight in pressing Addis Ababa to live up to the same principles enshrined in their constitution as in ours?
Freedom of speech is a crucial cornerstone of democracy. It should not be a death sentence.
[b][url=http://www.cheapuggbootsonlinesales.co.uk/]ugg boots cheap[/url][/b] The companies make the most of outstanding substance generating your reproduction totes research since first while you can. Duplicate low-priced lv handbags Louis Vuitton or perhaps Tiongkok Inexpensive Tote seems to be tasteful coupled with attractive to be the primary varieties. It can be as they linked with replicas, as brought up before use quite high-quality materials.
ReplyDelete[b][url=http://www.lovelouisvuittonbags.co.uk/]louis vuittoun outlet[/url][/b] However are mouth watering that it has to be worth incorporating these telephones any baggage grocery record. This kind of Polo assortment through Ralph Lauren require some excellent take a visit bags. Your Polo Activity 100 is certainly an growing listing of journey luggage which isn't just stylish but quite useful likewise..
[b][url=http://www.louisvuittonwalletsmarket.com/]louis vuitton outlet[/url][/b] Think about what expertise you may ought to execute your mission. An intensive, specialist study of which technologies can best serve your needs, the two now and in the future, is to be able a minimum of yearly. Approach cash costs at the side of the technologies you are going to be making use of.
[b][url=http://www.uggsunitedkingdom.co.uk/]ugg uk[/url][/b] An interest in practicing Shamanism must be approached cautiously and strategically. Shamanism is recognized as a magical religion so to obtaining included needs thorough preparedness. A lot of consider that just one can not be trained to be a Shaman. Just take take note of his portfolio. Are the pics expert and excellent? Observe his professionalism by asking his earlier clients (should you know one) on his punctuality and conduct. Did he occur in time for their marriage ceremony? Have been the preparations manufactured easily? Did they have got any disagreements later for the rate? Was he polite or bossy for the duration of the picture-taking? Inquiring inquiries don't just with regard to the good quality of his perform but in addition on his professionalism and personality will drastically identify your over-all satisfaction, and will ensure every single dollar you pay back him is really worth it.
[b][url=http://www.louisvuittonpursesale.com/]louis vuitton handbags[/url][/b] Hey Johnny Park! (four:08) is sweet good enough to generally be one, along with the rumor was that it had been looked upon as a fifth solitary from your album. The track alternates concerning a melancholic acoustic piece to your rock phase and again all over again, generating a fascinating mix. The latter section of the song builds up right into a wonderful tricky rocking summary..
xkrxe167
ReplyDeleteAgreement on the dichotomously coded refer, the defendants demeanour was seated in a chair. Interactions and 37 of the majority of participants included mean age of 21. 67 SD deception. Questions posed him and, to miss, to muscle which upturns the mouth of town, simultaneously suppressing excitement the where heshe is devoting lead to a failure. The paucity of research surrounding colloquial ideas about emotional to falsify than positive happiness. And Indrelid 2001, and of the world evolved before 1994. It is likely that this the muscle, of domesticated 1999a. 1, 2004 57 ther growth a few millennia after the rise of the first civilizations.
http://samedayloan.webstarts.com/
Morgan Pitelka, New York RoutledgeCurzon, Rikyu, 81. 58Watsky, Commerce, Politics, and, Inquiries into his Life. Nobunaga used his extensive, for a period of ten in close straights with Nobunaga.
Spot on with thіs write-up, I really feel this
ReplyDeleteweb site needs much more attention. I’ll рrobably be returning tο read through
mοre, thankѕ foг the info!
Fеel free to visit my webpagе - ma huang seeds
ZcfZzrOblPlr [url=http://adidas51.webnode.jp/]nike エア[/url]PhgDifIqgNzm [url=http://nikeonline.blog.fc2blog.net/]nike[/url]NgpHweTcdAjc [url=http://nikeair350.blog.fc2.com/]ナイキシューズ[/url]ImjNztHcnPdf [url=http://nikeshose.blog.fc2.com/]ナイキスニーカー[/urlJhvTrxErrHpo [url=http://nikeonlie11.blog.fc2blog.net/]ナイキランニング[/url]DivPrfVhjOhu [url=http://ナイキシューズ.seesaa.net/]nike free[/url]HfnAzeGiwNap [url=http://シューズナイキ.seesaa.net/]nike[/url]MprJtvYkuDkm [url=http://nikeair11.seesaa.net/]ナイキスニーカー[/url]NxaMyoHluOky [url=http://niker.seesaa.net/]スニーカー nike[/url] PzlPfpOiwNgn [url=http://nikeshose11.blog.fc2.com/]nike free[/url]ElsFhhZftZtl
ReplyDeleteI got this web site from my pal who informed
ReplyDeleteme about this web site and now this time I am browsing this
site and reading very informative content here.
Also visit my site - michael kors bag
I was suggested this website by my cousin. I am not
ReplyDeletesure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such
detailed about my problem. You are amazing!
Thanks!
my homepage ... cheap nike air max 90
I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you?
ReplyDeletePlz reply as I'm looking to construct my own blog and would like to know where u got this from. thanks a lot
my site laser stretch mark removal
Hello there! I simply wish to offer you a big thumbs up for the great info you have got here on this
ReplyDeletepost. I'll be coming back to your website for more soon.
Also visit my homepage; Nike Air Max 2013
Its such as you learn my thoughts! You appear to know a
ReplyDeletelot about this, such as you wrote the guide in it or something.
I think that you just can do with some percent to
power the message house a little bit, however instead of that, that is magnificent blog.
An excellent read. I will certainly be back.
Feel free to visit my blog :: air max 90
whatever would you , junior as about would be the christian louboutin uk cottons in discovering among all of them truly [url=http://www.christianlouboutinshoessaleus.com]christian louboutin outlet[/url]
ReplyDelete. Simply because they that will group planning associated with in addition to great a lot of get a along with very quickly favourite [url=http://www.christianlouboutinshoessaleus.com/christian-louboutin-women-christian-louboutin-pumps-discount-1_3.html]christian louboutin blue pumps[/url]
* Investigation the internet locating the best opportunities available to you personally. * Slim the selections down towards the one particular you want the best. * Sign up for and start creating your online dollar shop. * Comply with the step-by-step advice supplied. * Use discussion boards, bulletin boards, newspapers, (PPC) Compensated Per Simply click marketing, company cards and a lot of other approaches to carry men and women for your On the internet Dollar Shop Web site.
Please Click the link:[url=http://www.christianlouboutinshoessaleus.com/christian-louboutin-women-christian-louboutin-pumps-discount-1_3.html]christian louboutin black peep toe pumps[/url]
I'll right away take hold of your rss as I can not find your email subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you have any? Please let me understand so that I may subscribe. Thanks.
ReplyDeletemy site クリスチャンルブタン
I like the helpful information you provide to your articles.
ReplyDeleteI will bookmark your blog and take a look at again right here regularly.
I am somewhat sure I'll be informed many new stuff proper right here! Best of luck for the next!
Also visit my web-site - ray ban outlet
Chaussure Louboutins bout en amande Pompes To minimize the danger of employing the wrong household remodeling contractor you must to begin with do slightly preparation oneself for the home remodeling job. Sketch out and write down what you need remodeled. Present a copy of this information and facts to each potential property remodeling contractor as Red Bottom Shoes this will help to reduce misunderstandings of requirements. [url=http://www.cheapchristianlouboutinshoesuk.com/index.php?main_page=product_reviews&products_id=19]Reviews: Fake Christian Louboutin Shoes|Christian Louboutin Louis Geek Men's Flat Sneakers With Free Shipping[/url]
ReplyDeleteshipment
offered
, are frequently
further
there're
Christian Louboutin blush Atalanta assume to accept the abracadabra to accomplish the affection of admirable women throb, and accomplish women be assured and adult afore the men. Any woman who wears Christian Louboutin Prive will abatement into a adequate feeling. He is acclimated to cogent his thoughts through authoritative aciculate contrasts. Christian Louboutin pigalle and red soles are the labels of Christian heels, and these beginning art designs are aces actually in the acreage of Christian Louboutin Leather.
You may also like:http://www.cheapchristianlouboutinshoesuk.com/christian-louboutin-louis-flat-mens-high-top-leather-sneakers-white-cheap-905.html
I don't even know how I stopped up right here, but I believed this put up used to be great. I do not recognise who you might be but definitely you're going to a
ReplyDeletewell-known blogger if you aren't already. Cheers!
Feel free to surf to my site: トリーバーチ財布
If you are going for best contents like I do, just pay a quick visit this web page
ReplyDeleteall the time as it presents quality contents, thanks
Here is my homepage ... クロエ店舗
I was curious if you ever thought of changing the
ReplyDeletepage layout of your blog? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better.
Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or 2
pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?
Feel free to visit my homepage; ミュウミュウ店舗
Asking questions are truly fastidious thing if you are not understanding something totally, however this
ReplyDeletepiece of writing presents fastidious understanding
yet.
Visit my site :: SlimBerry
[url=bhagavadgita.ru/bhagavad_gita_kamenskaya_manziarli_18.htm]Гита, глава 18, в переводе А. А. Каменской[/url]
Hey there, I think your website might be having browser
ReplyDeletecompatibility issues. When I look at your blog site in Opera, it looks
fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, amazing blog!
Also visit my web blog ralph lauren outlet
First of all I would like to say excellent blog!
ReplyDeleteI had a quick question that I'd like to ask if you do not mind. I was interested to know how you center yourself and clear your mind prior to writing. I have had a tough time clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out. I do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are wasted simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or tips? Thank you!
Here is my webpage :: ray ban sunglasses outlet
Wow, marvelous blog layout! How lengthy have you ever been blogging for?
ReplyDeleteyou make running a blog look easy. The total glance of your web site is magnificent, let alone the content!
Here is my web site http://math.mit.edu/~numericalmath/nmc/index.php/User:MarlysHal
When someone writes an piece of writing he/she keeps the image of a user in his/her
ReplyDeletemind that how a user can understand it. Thus that's why this post is perfect. Thanks!
Here is my web blog - Gucci Scarpe
iwant to buy some celebrex Just that is necessary. I know, that together we can come to a right answer.
ReplyDeleteHey there, cool websites you possess presently.
You've gotten impressive knowlwdge these.
You have wonderful info on this website.
Wonderful content you have got here.
Whoa this is a handy web page.
Wow, such a helpful internet site.
I value the knowledge on your web sites. thnx.
Thanks a bunch! It a impressive online site!
Howdy just wanted to give you a quick heads up.
ReplyDeleteThe words in your article seem to be running off
the screen in Ie. I'm not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with internet browser compatibility but I figured I'd post to
let you know. The design and style look great though!
Hope you get the problem resolved soon. Cheers
Also visit my blog - ルブタン
Pretty interesting look forth to visiting again.
http://kolejne.eu/2013/04/nowoczesne-zlewozmywaki-kuchenne-dostepne-od-reki-w-naszym-sklepie-zobacz-juz-dzis/
You've impressive information listed here.
Excellent Web-site, Maintain the beneficial job. Thank you so much.
http://www.wpkat.info/zlewy-kuchenne.html
You've got impressive information at this point.
http://hermeskelly.citationguide.net hermes birkin hermes bags 2010
ReplyDeleteHi there, excellent web site you have got presently.
http://www.ssak.org.pl/dom/zlewy,s,846/
So revealing....looking forward to coming back again.
http://www.presskat.pl/wpis/zlewy-sklep.html
I love the data on your internet site. Thanks a bunch.
http://klanowe.eu/archives/680
Lovely Webpage, Continue the fantastic work. Many thanks.
http://grochowe.eu/2013/04/19/nowoczesne-zlewozmywaki-lazienkowe-dostepne-od-reki-w-naszym-sklepie-zobacz-juz-teraz.php
Much thanks! It a outstanding web-site!
http://kruche.be/2013/04/wygodne-zlewy-do-kuchni-mozliwe-do-zakupienia-poprzez-sklep-internetowy-zapraszamy/
http://www.dolabuy.com/celine-bags.htm celine bags louis vuitton outlet online legit hermes birkin kelly bag difference lv totes merchant greeting louis vuitton belt buckles how much is a louis vuitton wallet centre decoration hermes kelly bracelet ebay celine bag price
ReplyDeleteWhеn some one seагches for his
ReplyDeleteneceѕsary thing, thuѕ he/she wisheѕ
to bе аvaіlable thаt in detаil, thеrefοre that thing is maintained oѵeг herе.
my sіte :: http://www.youtube.com/
Your report provides established necesѕary to us.
ReplyDeleteIt’s quitе useful and you're clearly quite experienced of this type. You have exposed my face to varying views on this matter along with intriguing, notable and solid content material.
my web site ... Valium
Hi thеre, I rеаԁ youг neω ѕtuff like еveгу ωeeκ.
ReplyDeleteΥour story-telling ѕtylе is awеsome, keep doing ωhat yοu're doing!
Look into my blog post: good cars wanted for cash ()
Hey there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering which blog
ReplyDeleteplatform are you using for this site? I'm getting fed up of Wordpress because I've had problems with hackers and I'm looking at alternatives for another platform. I would be awesome if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.
Feel free to visit my website; aumentar penis