Journalists Belay Manaye and Bekalu Alamrew have both fled Ethiopia due to their work as journalists, reflecting the growing risks and pressures faced by media professionals in the country.
Belay and Belay , an Ethiopian journalist known for their critical reporting on the government, has faced significant threats and intimidation. reporting often covered sensitive topics, including human rights abuses and political repression. Due to these circumstances, Manaye sought refuge outside Ethiopia. Like many independent journalists in Ethiopia, their work led to a dangerous environment, particularly as the Ethiopian government increased its crackdown on the media.
The journalists who were released from prison three months ago are Bekalu and Belay. They explained that it was because of the “life-threateningwarning” given to them by government security personnel and the “monitoring” they would receive after their release. Journalist Belay and Bekalu left the country on a “difficult journey” that lasted 11 days. Last week, Monday,Septemper 9 2024 However, the country where the journalists are currently. They declined to comment over “security concerns.”
The founder and producer of the internet media called “Alpha Media”; He was arrested a day after the decision of the Council of Ministers. The journalist was taken to the Awash Arba military camp in mid-August of the same year and was imprisoned for nine months.
Bekalu said a journalist who was imprisoned in Awash Arba military camp; “We’ve spent all that time thinking that our chances of survival and survival are always slim every day,” he explains.
For many Ethiopian journalists, exile has become the only way to continue their work without fear of imprisonment or worse. The future of media freedom in Ethiopia depends on political reforms and a renewed commitment to protecting journalists’ rights, but the current trajectory suggests continued suppression unless the international community increases pressure on the government to respect freedom of the press.
