Can a set of government manoeuvres explain the high number of Ethiopian journalists who have left the country?
Habtamu Dugo: In general it is impossible to address the Ethiopia’s press standoff without first addressing the political standoffs created by the regime, which does not believe in peaceful dialogue but militancy and extremism. Journalists are murdered, intimidated, and tortured. They receive trumped up charges such as treason and they are called ’anti people forces’ and ’anti peace and development forces’. These are often the grounds on which we are attacked. They also often receive heavy financial sanctions that force papers to shut down. Print papers and magazines, or even music cassettes are confiscated. Journalists are fired from their jobs. And when they are not, there is heavy control and surveillance on their contacts and sources. The list goes on. RAP 21: What led you to seek refuge in the United States? Habtamu Dugo: I have been working as a journalism educator and as an online journalist for major Horn of African news websites, including Sudan Tribune.Com and Gadaa.Com. In M
