By Muluken Tekleyohanes
Ambassador Media strongly condemns the reported abduction and unlawful detention of journalist Yohannes Berhane, a staff member of Tigray Television and director of Tigray Media. According to information released by the Ethiopian Media Professionals Association, Yohannes was forcibly taken on March 9 from a restaurant in Mekelle by unidentified individuals in civilian clothing and transported in an unregistered vehicle.
The association has described the incident as an “illegal abduction” and a grave violation of press freedom. Reports indicate that Yohannes Berhane has since been held for six consecutive days in a detention facility located in the Aider Hospital Tahtai Beri area—an unofficial site not recognized under formal legal frameworks.
Ambassador Media joins the Ethiopian Media Professionals Association in expressing deep concern over what appears to be a targeted act of intimidation against a working journalist. The continued detention of Yohannes without due process raises serious questions about the safety of media professionals and the rule of law.
Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of any democratic society. The arrest and detention of journalists without transparent legal procedures not only threaten individual rights but also undermine public trust and accountability. Such actions contribute to a climate of fear and silence voices that are essential for informed public discourse.
Ambassador Media stands in solidarity with Yohannes Berhane, his colleagues, and all journalists facing harassment and unlawful detention. We call on the Ethiopian government and regional authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Yohannes Berhane and to cease all forms of intimidation against media professionals.
We further urge authorities to uphold constitutional protections for freedom of expression and ensure that journalists can operate without fear of reprisal. The international community and press freedom organizations must also closely monitor this situation and advocate for justice and accountability.
Ambassador Media reaffirms its commitment to defending press freedom and amplifying the voices of journalists who risk their safety to inform the public.
