Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Addis Standard
Published on 2024-02-28 11:10:18
Antoine Galindo, a French journalist accredited to Africa Intelligence, was arrested in Addis Abeba on 22 February for allegedly reporting on domestic affairs without proper accreditation. The Federal Communication Service revealed the details of his arrest, stating that he had received accreditation to cover the 37th AU Summit but was found gathering information on Ethiopia’s internal politics.
Selamawit Kassa, the state minister for the service, mentioned that Galindo was interviewing various political leaders, party members, and activists involved in Ethiopian politics. She emphasized that journalists are not allowed to engage in activities outside the scope of their accreditation. Galindo, detained by security forces while interviewing a political officer of the Oromo Liberation Front, was accused of conspiring with armed groups to incite unrest in the capital.
Indigo Publications, the publisher of Africa Intelligence, defended Galindo, stating that he had valid journalist credentials for covering news events and had informed the Ethiopian Media Authority of his assignment. They described the allegations against him as baseless and lacking in merit. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) also supported Galindo, calling for his immediate release and affirming that he was carrying out legitimate journalistic duties.
Despite the calls for his release, Galindo is scheduled to appear before the court on 01 March 2024. The situation has sparked concerns about press freedom in Ethiopia and the treatment of foreign journalists. Media organizations around the world have been closely monitoring the case and advocating for Galindo’s rights as a journalist.
This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by journalists working in politically sensitive environments. The case highlights the importance of upholding press freedom and ensuring that journalists can report on important issues without fear of reprisal or persecution. It also underscores the need for clear guidelines on journalist accreditation and the protection of journalists’ rights while carrying out their duties.
As the international community continues to monitor the situation, the outcome of Galindo’s case will likely have implications for press freedom in Ethiopia and beyond. It is essential to uphold the values of a free and independent press to ensure that journalists can report on important stories without facing intimidation or threats to their safety. The world is watching as Galindo’s fate hangs in the balance, hoping for a just resolution to this troubling situation.
Read the original article on Addis Standard
