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Alleged Hidden Motives Behind the Indefinite Suspension of Reporter Newspaper

Meseret Media · 3 hours ago · Read the Full Story on Meseret Media
Alleged Hidden Motives Behind the Indefinite Suspension of Reporter Newspaper
AI SUMMARY

The Ethiopian Media Authority indefinitely suspended Reporter Newspaper citing ethical violations, while emerging reports suggest a politically motivated move to weaken the publication and its owner.

  • The Ethiopian Media Authority indefinitely suspended the registration certificate of Reporter Newspaper effective November 2.
  • The Authority cited recurring legal and professional ethics violations, including compromising national interests, amplifying unverified information, disseminating unbalanced reports, and tarnishing government institutions.
  • The Media Authority had previously sent formal written inquiries regarding articles published between February 2026 and mid-October 2027, to which the newspaper provided legal explanations that the Authority rejected.
  • However, newly emerging details indicate the decision was driven by complex political and personal motives, going far beyond routine content moderation.
  • The suspension decision was leaked on social media before reaching the newspaper's management via official channels, bypassing standard operating procedures.
  • Ethiopian Media Authority Deputy Director Yonatan Tesfaye reportedly stated he had no prior knowledge of the suspension, suggesting the action stemmed from external orders rather than institutional processes.
  • The suspension coincides with an institutional power struggle within the Ethiopian Media Council, where Council Chairman and The Reporter owner Amare Aregawi has been facing efforts to remove him.
  • Brook Kebede, a figure known for government loyalty, was elected to the Media Council's executive board during the recent general assembly.
  • High-ranking government officials, including Daniel Kibret, reportedly exerted pressure behind the scenes for punitive action against Reporter Newspaper due to its critical and independent reporting.
Read the Full Story on Meseret Media
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