New York, February 9, 2018--The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns the Ethiopian government's attempts today to compel Ethiopian journalist and blogger Eskinder Nega to sign a false confession before releasing him under a presidential pardon. "Through this deplorable behavior the Ethiopian government is undermining any goodwill it might have generated by releasing an innocent man from prison," said CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Angela Quintal. "Ethiopian authorities should immediately release Eskinder Nega without condition." Eskinder is serving an 18-year sentence on vague terrorism charges, according to CPJ research. The group found his arrest without warrant and prosecution was flawed, and the trial fell short of international standards of fairness.

Source: Ethiopian News February 09, 2018 17:03 UTC