Ethiopian journalists face climate of intimidation, Pillay

Geneva, 18 July – (ANA) - UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said today that she is seriously alarmed about the current climate of intimidation against human rights defenders and journalists in Ethiopia, resulting from the use of “overly broad” laws on terrorism and civil society registration.

“The recent sentencing of 20 Ethiopians, including prominent blogger Eskinder Nega, journalists and opposition figures, under the vague anti-terrorism law has brought into stark focus the precarious situation of journalists, human rights defenders and Government critics in the country,” Pillay said.

“The very harsh sentences handed down to journalists and other Government critics in recent months, coupled with excessive restrictions placed on human rights NGOs in the country have had the effect of stifling dissent and seriously undermining the freedom of opinion and expression in Ethiopia,” she added.

“The once vibrant civil society in Ethiopia has been whittled away as the space for them to operate freely has rapidly shrunk since the 2009 Charities and Societies Proclamation was passed into law,” the High Commissioner said. “The dramatic reduction in the number of organisations working on human rights issues, particularly on civil and political rights, is deeply disturbing.” (ANA)

FA/ANA/18 July 2012---------