By: Muluken Tekleyohanes | June 10, 2025 — Ambassador Media
Tesfalem Woldeyes, founder and editor-in-chief of the independent online outlet Ethiopia Insider, remains in police custody despite a court order granting him bail, in a case that has intensified concerns over press freedom and due process in Ethiopia.
Tesfalem was arrested by plainclothes security forces on Sunday, June 1, 2025, from the Gion Hotel in Addis Ababa. According to Hak Media and Communication, which manages Ethiopia Insider, he spent the night seated at a police station in the Stephanos area before being transferred to Qera police station on Monday.
On Tuesday, June 3, the Addis Ababa City First Instance Court (Kirkos Division) granted bail set at 15,000 birr after Tesfalem was accused of “spreading false information.” Despite the payment being made and a formal release order issued, police have not implemented the court’s decision. The release letter remains unsigned by the relevant officer, and no formal appeal of the bail order has been filed by the investigating authorities.
Tesfalem, a respected journalist and founder of one of Ethiopia’s most recognized online media platforms, is known for his commitment to professional ethics and independent reporting. His continued detention without due legal process has sparked concern among colleagues, media professionals, and human rights observers.
The arrest follows closely on the sentencing of another journalist, Ahmed Awga, founder of Jigjiga Television Network (JTN), who was handed a two-year prison term by a Jigjiga court on June 1. Together, these incidents reflect mounting challenges faced by independent journalists in Ethiopia.
Hak Media and Communication has called for Tesfalem’s immediate release and reaffirmed its commitment to updating the public and media community as new information becomes available.
The failure to respect court decisions and the targeting of media founders like Tesfalem Woldeyes signals a worrying erosion of press freedoms in the country. Ambassador Media will continue to monitor the situation and report on further developments.
