Three months ago, Bekalu Alamerew and Belay Manaye, two journalists previously imprisoned in Ethiopia, were released under dire circumstances. They revealed that they were forced to flee the country due to life-threatening warnings from government security personnel and the ongoing surveillance they faced following their release. Belay and Bekalu undertook a harrowing journey that spanned 11 days, beginning on August 4, 2024. They have chosen not to disclose their current location for security reasons.
Their arrest occurred during a state of emergency that ended in May 2022. On July 28, 2023, the Council of Ministers had declared a state of emergency affecting the Amhara region and potentially any area of Ethiopia. One of the journalists, who is also the founder and producer of “Alpha Media,” was detained at the Awash Arba military camp in mid-August 2022. He spent nine months in imprisonment, describing the conditions as “extremely horrible” and recounting the severe stress and abuse endured during that time.
Abuse and Intimidation
The Awash Arba military camp was marked by brutal conditions and intense military activity. The journalist detailed the camp’s harsh environment, including large-scale military exercises and constant pressure from soldiers. He and other detainees faced threats and intimidation from investigators, federal police, and security personnel.
Health Crisis
In February 2024, a storm severely damaged the camp, causing significant injuries to his right leg. The storm destroyed key facilities, including the dining hall and clinic. Despite the severity of his injuries, he received only a tetanus shot due to the lack of proper medical care.
By January 2024, he suffered from severe intestinal and liver bleeding and was transferred to Addis Ababa for advanced treatment. However, after two months at the Federal Police Criminal Investigation Office detention center in Addis Bulawa, he was sent back to the military camp in April, leaving his treatment incomplete.
Surveillance and Harassment
Before their release, both journalists were held at the Federal Police Criminal Investigation Bureau, where they were warned by plainclothes investigators not to appear in any media. The warnings came with threats of severe consequences if they disobeyed. Following their release in June 2024, Belay and Bekalu fled Ethiopia due to the persistent threats and surveillance. They felt that their survival chances were slim and were unable to continue their work in their home country.
Human Rights Concerns
While imprisoned, the journalists reported their mistreatment to the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (ESMICO). The Regional Director of ESMICO confirmed that their reports were received. Efforts to contact the Ministry of Defense and the Government Communications Service regarding the reported abuses in Awash Arba were unsuccessful. A report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) highlighted the plight of Ethiopian journalists who have fled due to fears for their safety. Since 2020, at least 54 Ethiopian journalists have emigrated, with many seeking refuge in neighboring African countries, and others relocating to Europe and North America.
Belay Manaye, co-founder of “Ethio News,” and Bekalu Alamerew are among those who sought asylum last year. They plan to resume their journalism careers when conditions allow and express a strong desire to continue their work if given the opportunity.
