Ethiopia allows access to over 260 blocked websites

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 25 June 2018

The Ethiopian government has unblocked 264 websites, including notable news outlets. This move is seen as a commitment to improving press freedom in the country.

Summary

NEW YORK - The Committee to Protect Journalists has welcomed the Ethiopian government's decision to allow access to 264 websites, including news outlets and blogs, that were blocked in the country.

In a tweet, Fitsum Arega, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's Chief of Staff, said that the sites included the diaspora outlets Oromia Media Network (OMN) and Ethiopian Satellite Television and Radio (ESAT). Belay Manaye, a journalist in Addis Ababa, confirmed to CPJ that the outlets were accessible in Ethiopia.

"Allowing Ethiopians to access these news outlets is a positive sign that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is committed to delivering his promise to end Ethiopia's censorship of the independent press," said CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Angela Quintal. "We ask the prime minister to now amend laws that restrict free speech and to end a system of surveillance that has long been used to intimidate journalists."- A CPJ statement/Photo: Reuters

KEY POINTS:

• Ethiopia unblocks 264 websites.
• Notable outlets include Oromia Media Network and ESAT.
• CPJ welcomes the decision as a positive step for press freedom.
• Calls remain for legal reforms to support free speech.
• The action signals a potential shift in government policy.