November 25, 2024 - Ethiopia, Addis Ababa

Journalist Meskerem Abera, founder of Ethio Nikat, sentenced to one year and four months for "computer crimes" over YouTube content, accused of inciting unrest. Her legal team is appealing, asserting that the content does not incite violence or criminal behavior.

Behind bars since April 2023, Abera has faced repeated harassment from the state, part of a disturbing pattern of targeting journalists critical of the government.

Women Press Freedom condemns Abera's conviction and sentencing—she has been unjustly punished for doing her job. It’s time for her release. We demand Ethiopian authorities end their persecution of media workers and stop criminalizing journalism.