Ethiopia : Addis Neger News paper forced to close publication

Addis will be without a major newspaper this weekend and for some time to come. In yet another blow to the private press, one of Ethiopia’s largest Amharic language newspapers, Addis Neger, has closed down.
The paper halted its publication after its founders and editors fled the country to avoid persecution stemming from legal charges being prepared against them.
The managing editor of the paper, Mesfin Negash told the Amharic service of the VOA last night they could longer function here as a private press.
“We have found it impossible to endure the pressure that is coming from different corners
,” he was quoted as saying.
Mesfin said his paper filled with young staff has strived to establish a truthful and objective press.

Over the years, the government and its supporters have often alleged hate speech in response to critical news reports. The government-owned Amharic daily Addis Zemen has been publishing a series articles attacking Addis Neger and Awra Amba Times, another private weekly, for their “biased and non-factual reporting” and for producing articles that “destroy Ethiopia’s social and political fabric.”

Addis Neger which was published weekly on Saturdays had been in circulation for three years, and had earned a solid reputation for providing alternative news and opinions.

The news has shocked the country’s media industry. An editor of another private paper said “This is a blatant and unjustified attack on freedom of expression. [...] Addis Neger has been such a good and moderate paper. The staff, like all of us, has been trying to work within the limits of the laws which are already highly restrictive. An important source of independent and alternative news is cut off.”

Independent news coverage in Ethiopia is minimal due to business woes and government interference. Many journalists are fined for their reporting, are brought to court on minor offences, and even some claim they are under the regular surveillance of security officers and their telephones are bugged. The international human rights organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF) chronicles many arrests as well as continuing threats to an independent press in Ethiopia.

source
Addis Ababa
(OPSF)