ETHIOPIA: "THE DEATH SENTENCE WAS USED AS A TOOL OF INTIMIDATION"

April 10, 2008: a clampdown on the media in Ethiopia in the wake of disputed elections in 2005 continues to resonate in the country, while certain members of the press have even found themselves facing capital punishment.
In July 2007, journalists Andualem Ayele Legesse, Mesfin Tesfaye Gobena, Wonakseged Zeleke Tessema and Dawit Fasil Woldeselassie were sentenced to death on charges that included treason. While the four were later amnestied, their sentences are viewed as having had a somewhat chilling effect on press freedom in Ethiopia.
Leonard Vincent, head of the Africa desk at Reporters Sans Frontières said "it has had a great impact. Self-censorship is a way of life for Ethiopian journalists, especially for those living and working in Addis Ababa. Any form of criticism and any attack against the president or the government may lead to telephonic threats, intimidation or even arrest and a jail sentence." (Sources: All Africa, 10/04/2008)