Nairobi, Kenya – February 27, 2024 – The African Editors Forum (TAEF) has condemned the arbitrary detention of French journalist Antoine Galindo by the Ethiopian authorities and called for his immediate release.
Mr. Galindo, who works for the investigative news website Africa Intelligence, was
reportedly detained on February 21, 2024, after he stayed on to follow other stories after covering the recent African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa.
TAEF said it is deeply concerned and alarmed by “this act of intimidation and calls for Mr. Galindo’s immediate and unconditional release.”
“We urge the Ethiopian government to respect press freedom, a fundamental right enshrined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and essential for a healthy democracy,” TAEF said in a statement signed by its Chairperson, Churchill Otieno.
TAEF highlights the following concerns:
- Lack of due process: The reported details suggest Mr. Galindo was detained without
specific charges or justification, a blatant violation of legal procedures and human rights. - Chilling effect on press freedom: Mr. Galindo’s detention sends a chilling message to
all journalists in Ethiopia and beyond, creating an environment of fear and self-censorship. - Undermining of critical reporting: This incident undermines the crucial role independent
journalism plays in holding authorities accountable and informing the public.
TAEF therefore demands that: - Ethiopian authorities immediately release Mr. Galindo and return his confiscated
belongings. - The Ethiopian government guarantees the safety and security of all journalists working in the country, regardless of their nationality or affiliation.
- A thorough and transparent investigation be conducted into the circumstances
surrounding Mr. Galindo’s arrest and detention, and those responsible should be held
accountable. - TAEF stands in solidarity with Mr. Galindo and all journalists in Ethiopia and Africa facing
unlawful detention or harassment. We urge the Ethiopian government to uphold its
international obligations and ensure a free and enabling environment for journalists to
carry out their vital work. - Additionally, TAEF calls upon:
- The African Union and international community to pressure the Ethiopian government to
release Mr. Galindo and uphold press freedom. - Media organizations and journalists around the world to raise their voices and demand Mr. Galindo’s immediate release.
Journalism is not a crime and no journalist should be arrested, detained or tortured for merely doing their job. TAEF will continue to monitor this situation closely and take further action as deemed necessary.
