May2,2000

On the day the world observes International Press Freedom Day (May 3)

 SOCEPP joins all other bodies in calling for the respect of the freedom of the press and highlights that the government in Ethiopia continues to be one of the worst enemies of the free press.The EPRDF government holds numerous journalists in jail, has hounded into exile many others, used repressive laws
and draconian edicts to close down many newspapers,etc...In Ethiopia, freedom of the press is violated by the those in power and valiant journalists risk their lives to puruse their callingJournlists Kumsa Berayu and Berhanu Ijigu have disappeard after being detained by the government forces more than five years ago. Newspaper editor and human rights activist Tesfaye Tadesse
was hacked to death by government death squad members in Addis AbebaPrime Minister Meles Zenawi and his government should be condemned on this day as the enemies of the free press.
SOCEPP