FCAEA CALLS FOR THE RELEASE OF KENYAN JOURNALIST YASSIN JUMA BY ETHIOPIAN AUTHORITIES

The Foreign Correspondents’ Association of East Africa is concerned about reports of the arrest of Kenyan journalist Yassin Juma on July 2, 2020 in Ethiopia. We are calling for his immediate release by Ethiopian authorities.

BBC reports Juma was arrested by Ethiopian security forces on July 2, 2020 while covering mass demonstrations following the killing of musician and activist Hachalu Hundessa.

Juma’s colleagues in Kenya and Ethiopia, and his family, have been unable to reach him since July 2 and are concerned for his safety.

The FCAEA urges Ethiopian authorities to publicly confirm whether Juma has been arrested and under what charges.

The FCAEA stands by all independent journalists in Ethiopia and urges Ethiopian authors to allow journalists to do their jobs freely.

If anyone has any information regarding the whereabouts of journalist Yassin Juma, please contact the FCAEA at board@FCAEA.org and the Kenyan embassy in Addis Ababa: Tel: +251-11-661-0135 / +251-929-234564 / Email: addisababa@mfa.go.ke 

• FCAEA Board