Ethiopia's press freedom faces severe challenges amid democratic test
via The Reporter Ethiopia7 min read
On World Press Freedom Day, concerns were raised about the state of press freedom in Ethiopia. The private press, once a vital force, is now threatened by economic fragility, political interference, and legal harassment. Despite constitutional guarantees and ratified international instruments protecting freedom of expression, journalists face harassment, detention, and prosecution. Media outlets struggle with political intimidation, limited access to information, and financial precarity, leading to closures and self-censorship. This situation undermines the public's right to diverse information and weakens Ethiopia's democratic fabric. The government is urged to reform laws, ensure access to information, and end intimidation. The private press must uphold professionalism and ethics, invest in training, and diversify revenue. Civil society and international partners are called upon to provide support, funding, and advocacy. Citizens are encouraged to support independent journalism. The article emphasizes that a free press is essential for Ethiopia's democratic future, enabling informed citizens and accountable leadership.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Reporter Ethiopia.
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