Photos: YouTube ScreenshotsDurban, South Africa—Ethiopian authorities must immediately release journalist Bekalu Alamrew, founder and chief editor of Alpha Media, a YouTube-based news channel, and ensure the protection of press freedom, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. Prior to his arrest Bekalu extensively covered the ongoing violent confrontation in Amhara state between government forces and Fano, an armed militia operating within the state. This conflict resulted in the declaration of a six-month-long state of emergency and an ongoing internet shutdown in the region. Bekalu has been arrested several times previously and released without charges. In Ethiopia, several journalists who were detained in April continue to remain in custody after authorities pressed terrorism charges.

Source: Ethiopian News August 12, 2023 16:43 UTC