Ethiopian independent online media outlet raises alarm over editor's disappearance

Addis Standard, an Ethiopian independent online media outlet, has expressed "grave concern" following the abduction of its managing editor, Million Beyene, on Wednesday, and has called on authorities to open an investigation. Addis Standard is one of the country's few independent media outlets, with nearly a million subscribers on X. In February, Ethiopian authorities, who are regularly criticized for repeated infringements on press freedom, revoked its license, accusing it of "undermining national interests." According to security camera footage analysis, Million Beyene was taken on Wednesday around 10:40 AM 07:40 GMT from the editorial office building by a group of at least three unidentified men dressed in civilian clothes, according to a statement from the media owner, JAKENN Publishing. The individuals reportedly informed Mr. Million that he was "required for questioning." Law enforcement agencies have stated that they do not have the journalist in custody and that his abductors are not part of the police, the group indicated, expressing its "grave concern" about his disappearance. Described as a seasoned professional, his abduction occurs "in a context of repeated and increasing security and administrative pressures" on the media outlet in recent months, the group emphasized, calling on authorities and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission to open an investigation. "The abduction of Million Beyene by unidentified individuals is unacceptable and deeply troubling," deplor