JULY 21/2007

REPEAL THE RESTRICTIONS AGAINST THE FREE PRESS

The hue and cry over the so called "pardon" of some 38 political prisoners hides behind it the issue of the restrictions and fines imposed upon the free press. Ethiop, Menelik etc.. and other publishing houses have been fined huge sums and the court has ordered the disolution of these publishing companies. There is nothing said up to now that these draconian measures have been rescinded.

 Journalists condemned to prison are still there. There are cases pending against others. Some who have fled and have not asked "pardon" from the regime have been given long sentences and cannot freely go back to Ethiopia. Presently, the only newspapers being published in Ethiopia are the ones controled by the regime or a few others that claim to be "independent" but are covertly under the tutelage of the regime. The release of some jorunalists in the overall "pardon" charade leaves the issue of the ongoing repression against the free press covered up. The regime of Meles Zenawi, identified and condemned as one of the worst predators of the free press, has relentlessly acted to silence the independent journalists and to impose actual totalitarian control over the mass media. The curtailment and denial of the right to a free press is one of basic violation of rights that Ethiopians have been forced to suffer.

 Hence, as the regime basks in self congratulatory jubilation for "pardoning" the victims of its own heinous crime, it is very important not to lose sight of the fact that the repression against the free press has not changed or slackened one bit. The  call for the respect of the freedom of the press is as vital and urgent as ever.

Release all imprisoned journalists!!

Stop the curtailment of the freedom of the press!!

SOCEPP