Ethiopia's Media Authority has permanently suspended two Deutsche Welle journalists, escalating concerns over press freedoms. The decision affects reporters covering the conflict zones of Amhara and Tigray. DW has protested the move, demanding reinstatement and clearer justifications.
Deutsche Welle announced on December 12 that Ethiopia's Media Authority had permanently suspended two of its correspondents, marking a significant blow to independent journalism. This follows an initial temporary halt on October 23, when the authority barred journalistic activities for nine DW reporters based in Ethiopia. A subsequent letter last week lifted the restrictions on seven but upheld permanent bans on the two who cover the conflict-affected Amhara and Tigray regions, citing "noncompliance with Ethiopian laws and professional ethics."
DW has strongly protested the decision, noting that the authority provided no specific examples of violations and relied on vague allusions to Ethiopia's media proclamation and hate speech laws. The broadcaster emphasized the lack of transparency in the process.
This development highlights the growing pressures on the independent press in Ethiopia, amid ongoing regional conflicts and political strains. Critics contend that such measures suppress coverage of sensitive topics, further undermining media freedoms in a nation already ranking poorly on international press freedom indices. DW's call for reinstatement and greater accountability suggests the possibility of broader international repercussions.
