Addis Standard Editor Detained and Office Raided in Ethiopia

Editor-in-Chief Detained and Assaulted

According to a written statement from Yonas, two individuals dressed in civilian clothes violently seized him, struck him, and forcibly loaded him into a double-cab pickup truck. They accused me of ‘selling the country out’, Yonas recounted. He noted that after his blindfold was removed upon being dropped back home, he observed that the vehicle bore military license plates. During his 24-hour detention, he was subjected to prolonged interrogation regarding the independent news outlet’s reporting before being released.

This incident marks the second time in as many months that a senior member of the publication has been targeted by state security agents. Four months earlier, men in plainclothes seized managing editor Million Beyene and held him incommunicado for nearly two weeks before releasing him without charge, according to HRW.

Office Raid and Property Destruction

The day following the editor’s release, on Sunday, August 2, a heavily armed team of security and intelligence personnel raided the offices of The Witness | Your compass in the community. Jakenn stated that the team entered the premises without due process and confiscated equipment from the multimedia production studio.

An internal inspection conducted by JAKENN’s administration and human resources department, alongside the building’s senior management, documented both confiscated and damaged property. Seized items included multiple professional 4K video cameras, tripods, audio production equipment, microphones, video mixing devices, batteries, and other broadcast accessories essential to daily newsroom operations. The inspection also confirmed deliberate destruction to studio lighting systems, light stands, microphone stands, power accessories, and related production equipment, with a complete inventory and valuation preserved as evidence for legal proceedings.

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Additionally, the building’s owner issued a notice ordering the outlet to vacate its premises within three days. JAKENN’s legal team formally notified building management that the eviction notice breaches the parties’ legally binding lease agreement, lacks a lawful contractual basis, and was allegedly forced by the police. Legal action has been initiated to challenge the notice.

Regulatory Pressures and Broader Crackdown

The recent events unfold as the publication remains engaged in legal proceedings challenging the Ethiopian Media Authority’s decision to revoke Addis Standard’s online media registration certificate and operating license. In February, the regulatory body accused the outlet of multiple violations of journalistic ethics and legislation, and of having undermined national interests.

The harassment of Addis Standard reflects a broader campaign by Ethiopian authorities against independent media. Over the past year, authorities have arbitrarily arrested scores of journalists, holding some incommunicado, while media outlets have had their accreditation or licenses revoked. The Ethiopian Media Authority has also alleged repeated violations by independent broadcasters Arts TV and Ahadu F, issuing final written warnings that threaten suspension or revocation of their licenses.

Jakenn called on the Ministry of Justice, Ethiopian Federal Police, Addis Abeba Police Commission, and relevant district police authorities to cooperate with its legal team’s investigation. Despite the challenges, the publisher stated it will continue to pursue lawful avenues to defend its rights and ensure accurate, independent, and accountable reporting.