“It has to be recalled that the 4th Civil Bench of the
Federal 1st Instance Court gave decision on the dispute
between the Ethiopian Free press Journalists’ Association
(EFJA) and the Ministry of Justice as regards the ban
imposed by the Ministry on EFJA and its leadership.
The Federal High Court ruled that:
The illegal ban imposed on the association and its
leadership should be lifted.
The leadership designated through the illegal election
facilitated by the Ministry of Justice should be declared
null and void.
The Ministry of Justice should cover the litigation cost
paid for by EFJA.
The General Congress should be conducted only by standing
members of the association to elect the leadership.
The Ministry of Justice on 28 December, 2004 announced
through Govt. controlled T.V that it went to the Vice
president of the Civil Bench of the Federal court and got a
letter of suspension against EFJA till it submits its appeal
letter to the Federal Higher court, with in the coming two
weeks.
According the directive given from the authorities, EFJA
would be suspended from any activity till the court decides
new rule whether the appeal of the ministry of justice is
acceptable or not.
The measures taken under the cover of law in this direction
has become a matter of great concern to all who stand for
the great cause of democracy, rule of law, press freedom,
freedom of self expression and the respect of human rights.
EFJA totally denounces all destructive acts and attempts
that open the way for violating the rights to freedom of
expression, international conventions and infringement of
citizenship rights. And it would continue to fight against
these violations. We are convinced that the Ethiopian
people, forces of peace and democracy and the international
community would support, and share our views and join our
struggle.”
Press freedom in Ethiopia shall flourish!
Kifle Mulat
President, EFJA
