The Government of Ethiopia this week announced filed terrorist charges against about a dozen critical journalists and politicians.
In its statement the Government indicated that the individuals are engaged in a terrorist activity including attempting to take power by force. Most of the journalists listed are United Sates based journalists such as those working for Ethio 360, a major critic of the Abiy Ahmed regime.
The statement run on the state media outlet indicated that it is working with the Interpol to bring to justice the accused journalists and politicians living abroad. Meanwhile, Ethiopia and the United States have not signed agreement related to extraditions of criminals.
Among those listed in the charge includes from Ethio 360 Habtamu…Minalachew Simachew, Eyerusalem Tekletsadik, Biruk Yibas, as well as former ESAT media journalists Mesay Mekonnen and Sisay Gobeze. Those charged for terrorism also includes Meskerem Abera, critical journalist who recently released from prison, and Lidetu Ayalew, veteran opposition figure currently residing in the United States and known for criticizing the current administration of Ethiopia appearing on different media outlets.
After inkling a peace deal with the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) and ending the two years bloody war that reportedely claimed over half a million lives, the Government of Ethiopia is currently at loggerheads with the special force of Amhara region and Fanos, the informal fighters who helped Ethiopian troops during its fight against the TPLF fighters.
Most of the individuals who are listed in the latest government terrorist charges have been criticizing the Abiy Ahmed administration for what they called ‘ launching war in Amhara region by sending its soldiers’.