Muluken Tekleyohanes , May 6, 2026 Germany
Three years after his arrest under deeply troubling and opaque circumstances, Voice of Amhara journalist Gobeze Sisay remains imprisoned in Ethiopia, facing terrorism charges that carry the possibility of a death sentence. His continued detention has become a stark symbol of the deteriorating state of press freedom in the country.
Gobeze was arrested on May 6, 2023, in Djibouti and subsequently transferred to Ethiopia in what observers have described as an irregular and non-transparent process. His arrest came amid a broader crackdown on journalists reporting on the conflict in Ethiopia’s Amhara region — a campaign widely condemned by international watchdogs as an attack on independent journalism.
Now, as Gobeze prepares to present his defense in court later this month, serious concerns persist regarding the fairness of the proceedings and the legitimacy of the charges against him.
He is not alone. Three other journalists — Genet Asmamaw, Meskerem Abera, and Dawit Begashaw — also remain detained on similar terrorism accusations. Their cases collectively highlight a disturbing pattern: the criminalization of reporting on matters of public interest.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called for Gobeze’s immediate release, urging Ethiopian authorities to end the use of terrorism laws as tools to silence the press.
Ambassador Media strongly echoes this call.
The Ethiopian government’s actions represent a direct assault on media freedom and democratic accountability. Labeling journalists as terrorists for doing their jobs is not only unjustifiable — it is dangerous. It erodes public trust, suppresses truth, and undermines the very foundations of a free society.
Detaining journalists without clear evidence, due process, or transparency raises serious questions about the rule of law in Ethiopia. It sends a chilling message to reporters across the country: that speaking truth to power may come at the cost of their freedom — or even their lives.
Ambassador Media joins the growing global outcry demanding justice.
We call on Ethiopian authorities to:
- Immediately and unconditionally release Gobeze Sisay
- Drop all charges against journalists detained for their reporting
- Uphold international standards on freedom of expression and press freedom
- End the misuse of terrorism laws against media professionals
Journalism is not a crime. Reporting is not terrorism.
As Gobeze Sisay’s court date approaches, the world is watching. The Ethiopian government must decide whether it will uphold justice — or continue down a path of repression.
Ambassador Media stands in solidarity with Gobeze Sisay and all journalists unjustly detained. We will continue to raise our voice until they are free.
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