Politics

Ambassador Redwan: Media Outlets Warned Only After Repeated Violations

BBC · 2 hours ago · Read the Full Story on BBC
Ambassador Redwan: Media Outlets Warned Only After Repeated Violations
AI SUMMARY

Ethiopian Media Authority board chairperson Ambassador Redwan Hussein stated that no media outlet receives a warning without being explicitly informed of its violations multiple times.

  • Ambassador Redwan Hussein stated that no media outlet has been issued a warning without being explicitly informed of its errors and violated laws at least five times.
  • The remarks were made during the inauguration of the Media Excellence Center on November 5, 2024.
  • The statement follows the Ethiopian Media Authority's indefinite suspension of the Media and Communication Center, publisher of Reporter and The Reporter.
  • The Authority cited over a year of monitoring and repeated legal and professional ethics violations as grounds for the suspension.
  • Charges against Reporter include disseminating content contrary to national interests and eroding public cohesion.
  • Human Rights Watch criticized the suspension as part of a crackdown on independent media and urged international partners to intervene.
  • Ambassador Redwan noted that some media owners lack industry knowledge and that certain individuals deliberately work to destabilize the country.
  • The Ambassador defended the government's actions, stating the goal is to set an example and enforce accountability rather than restrict democracy.
  • Licenses for Addis Standard and Wazema, as well as permits for various foreign media, were revoked last year.