Ethiopian Security Forces Detain Editor and Raid Addis Standard Newsroom

Rights groups say the seizure and destruction of studio gear followed by a compelled three-day eviction shows a broader effort to silence independent journalism.

Overview

Editor-in-chief Yonas Kedir was seized by security personnel, physically assaulted and held for about 24 hours on Saturday, August 1, before being released, the publisher says.
Hours later on Sunday, August 2, heavily armed security and intelligence officers entered the Addis Ababa newsroom, confiscated cameras, microphones and broadcast gear, and damaged studio lighting and production equipment.
On Monday, August 3 the building lessor, reportedly under pressure from police, served a three-day eviction notice ordering JAKENN Publishing PLC to vacate premises where Addis Standard has operated for 16 years.
The publisher has documented a full inventory of seized and damaged items, preserved evidence, and launched legal challenges to both the February revocation of the outlet's online registration and the recent eviction notice.
Press freedom groups including the Committee to Protect Journalists and Human Rights Watch have condemned the actions, demanded the return of equipment, accountability for the detention and assault, and warned the incidents reflect a broader campaign that limits independent reporting and endangers staff.