The recent raid on the Addis Standard office and the targeting of its employees represent a deeply concerning development in Ethiopia, highlighting the increasing pressures faced by journalists under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration. These actions are more than isolated incidents—they signal a broader attack on press freedom and the suppression of independent voices that are critical to a healthy and functioning democracy.
On March 9, 2017, police forces carried out coordinated raids targeting both the homes of Addis Standard employees and the publication’s office. At the residences of IT professionals affiliated with the organization, officers confiscated laptops, mobile phones, flash drives, external hard drives, and other equipment essential for the journalists’ work. The operation, conducted without warrants, subjected employees to alleged mistreatment and raised serious questions about the legality and motives behind the actions. Despite the release of the detained individuals, their electronic devices remain in police custody, effectively silencing their ability to work and communicate freely.
Later that same day, six officers from the Addis Ababa Police Commission stormed the Addis Standard office in a white minivan, further escalating the assault on press freedom. During this raid, two senior professionals were arrested, and significant quantities of news materials, personal belongings, and electronic devices were confiscated. The journalists were held for hours at the Addis Ababa Police Commission before being transferred to the Federal Police Criminal Investigation Bureau, where they were questioned extensively. While the individuals were eventually released, the seized items have not been returned, leaving the publication and its staff deprived of critical tools necessary for their work.
These raids are emblematic of a larger crackdown on media outlets and independent journalism under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration. By targeting journalists and confiscating their equipment, the government not only disrupts the flow of information but also sends a chilling message to other media organizations: dissent and scrutiny will not be tolerated. This approach undermines the foundational principles of democracy, where a free press serves as a watchdog, holding those in power accountable and providing citizens with the information they need to make informed decisions.
The absence of warrants and the mistreatment of journalists during these raids highlight systemic abuses of power and disregard for the rule of law. The Addis Standard has long been recognized for its commitment to covering important issues in Ethiopia and providing multilingual content accessible to a diverse audience. The targeting of such an institution sends a worrying signal about the lengths to which the government is willing to go to suppress independent journalism.
International organizations and advocates for press freedom must take note of these troubling developments and apply pressure to ensure accountability and change. The global community has a responsibility to stand against the erosion of journalistic independence and support those who risk their lives to bring truth to light. Freedom of the press is not just a local issue—it is a universal value that underpins democratic societies and ensures the voices of the marginalized and the oppressed are heard.
The Addis Standard’s ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by journalists worldwide, particularly in environments where governments seek to consolidate power and silence dissent. Advocacy for press freedom must remain unwavering, and those responsible for these violations must be held accountable. Without a free and independent press, the public is deprived of the transparency and truth that are essential for progress and justice. It is crucial that this incident not be ignored or dismissed—it represents a warning and a call to action for all those who value democracy and the right to free expression.
