Ahmed Usman, Dimtsi Hafash
Medium:Print
Charge:No Charge
Imprisoned:February or March 2011
Mohamed Osman, Dimtsi Hafash
Medium:Radio
Charge:No Charge
Imprisoned:February or March 2011
Nebiel Idris, Dimtsi Hafash
Medium:Radio
Charge:No Charge
Imprisoned:February or March 2011

Several journalists working for the government-controlled radio station ("Voice of the Masses") were arrested in early 2011, according to CPJ sources. Authorities did not disclose the basis of the arrests. Local journalists told CPJ one of the journalists, Eyob Kessete, was released after several weeks in prison. Eyob, who worked for the Amharic-language service of Dimtsi Hafash, was arrested on allegations that he had helped others flee the country.

The reporters worked for different services of Dimtsi Hafash: Nebiel for the Amharic-language service, Ahmed for the Tigrayan-language service, and Mohamed for the Bilen-language service.

While the government's motivation in imprisoning the journalists is unknown in most cases, CPJ research has found that state media journalists work in a climate of intimidation, retaliation, and absolute control. In this context of extreme repression, CPJ considers journalists attempting to escape the country or in contact with third parties abroad as struggling for press freedom.

Authorities as of 2015 had not disclosed the journalists' whereabouts, health, or legal status.

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