Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Addis Standard
Published on 2024-03-01 06:38:58
French journalist Antoine Galindo was arrested in Addis Ababa on February 22, but has since been released from prison ahead of his scheduled court appearance. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) welcomed his release and reported that he left the country to return to France. Further details about his release were not immediately available, according to CPJ.
Quentin Botbol, the publisher of Africa Intelligence, expressed gratitude to everyone involved in securing Galindo’s release. Galindo, who works for Africa Intelligence, was detained by security forces in Addis Ababa while interviewing Bate Urgessa, a political officer of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), a legally registered opposition party.
He appeared before the Addis Ababa City Administration Bole Division Court and was accused of conspiring with armed groups, the OLA-Shene and the Fano militia, to incite unrest in the capital. The Federal Communication Service stated that Galindo was arrested for reporting on domestic affairs without proper accreditation. Despite having accreditation to cover the 37th AU Summit, he was discovered gathering information on Ethiopia’s internal political issues.
Upon Galindo’s release, CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Muthoki Mumo emphasized the dangers faced by journalists in Ethiopia and called for the immediate release of other journalists who have been imprisoned under difficult conditions. The CPJ also urged Ethiopian authorities to ensure that international journalists have the necessary access to report without facing retaliation.
Overall, Galindo’s release was seen as a positive development, highlighting the risks associated with journalism in Ethiopia. The CPJ’s advocacy for press freedom in the country remains crucial, especially as other journalists continue to face imprisonment and challenges in their reporting.
In conclusion, the case of Antoine Galindo serves as a reminder of the importance of press freedom and the need to support journalists working in challenging environments. As he returns to France following his release, the circumstances surrounding his arrest and subsequent release underscore the ongoing struggles faced by journalists around the world.
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