Ethiopia: News - Ethiopian Authorities Pursuing 'Campaign to Dismantle' Independent Newsroom: CPJ

What the report says

The Committee to Protect Journalists has accused Ethiopian authorities of carrying out an escalating pressure campaign against Addis Standard, an independent newsroom based in Addis Ababa. In a statement reported by Addis Standard, CPJ called for the harassment to stop after the outlet’s editor-in-chief, Yonas Kedir, was detained and assaulted, the newsroom was raided, equipment was damaged or taken, and an eviction notice was issued for its offices.

According to the publisher, the incidents unfolded over three days starting on 1 August. JAKENN Publishing PLC said security personnel seized Yonas Kedir, held him for about 24 hours and interrogated him before releasing him. The company also said state security and intelligence officers entered the newsroom and destroyed parts of its multimedia studio, including production equipment needed for daily operations. On 3 August, police reportedly pressed the property owner to serve an eviction order requiring the company to leave within three days.

CPJ said the latest actions fit a broader pattern of pressure on the outlet. The organization linked the case to a legal challenge Addis Standard is pursuing against the Ethiopian Media Authority over the February revocation of its online media registration certificate. It also cited earlier incidents involving the publication, including the detention of staff in previous years and earlier raids on its offices. The dispute matters because it raises wider concerns about press freedom and the operating space for independent media in Ethiopia.