After refusing to obey court orders and release detained Ethiopian journalist Tesfalem Weldyes on bail, the Addis Ababa police finally released him on Friday, said Haq Media and Communications – the publisher of Ethiopia Insider.
“Today, Friday, June 13, 2025, we are delighted to announce the release of journalist Tesfalem Waldyes, the esteemed founder and editor-in-chief of the online media outlet “Ethiopia Insider,” managed by Haq Media and Communication. We thank Tesfalem’s friends, dedicated colleagues, and the entire “Ethiopia Insider” family for their unwavering support during his challenging detention. Additionally, we deeply appreciate the efforts of all local and international organizations that tirelessly advocated for Tesfalem’s freedom. Your solidarity has been invaluable,” said in s statement.
It was not clear why the police didn’t release obeying the court orders. Mr. Tesfalem Weldyes, who launched the digital publication Ethiopia Insider, a few years ago, has been known as among professional journalists in Ethiopia with two decades plus years of experience working at Fortune Addis newspaper, and foreign publications such as, for the humanitarian publication IRIN, among others. he was also among the Zone 9 Bloggers arrested in 2014 and released after about two years.
Even though the current regime, which came to power in April 2018, had shown signals for freedom of expression by releasing political prisoners and journalists, Ethiopia’s ranking on global press freedom index has been declining over the past few years.
As Ethiopia is supposed to hold its general election within a year or two, many fear that Abiy Ahmed’s regime will engage in intimidation and arrest of opposition figures and critical journalists, among others. It is recalled that about a week ago, one of the critical opposition voice, Taye Dendea was arrested.
