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.

Relevant Topics

Ethiopia

Censorship

Media Freedom

News Outlets

Abiy Ahmed

CPJ

Ask AI: Understand this story your way

AI Enabled

Dig deeper, ask anything — get instant context, background, and clarity.

Language

Format

Tone

Audience

Focus

Reading level

Length

The AI generates results based on your selected options

Your AI-generated results will appear here after you click the button.

Disclaimer: This feature is powered by AI and is intended to help readers explore and understand news stories more easily. While we strive for accuracy, AI-generated responses may occasionally be incomplete or reflect limitations in the underlying model. This feature does not represent the editorial views of JournalismPakistan. For our full, verified reporting, please refer to the original article.

Sehar Kamran walks out after clash with Tarar

July 22, 2026: Senator Sehar Kamran left a National Assembly committee, accusing Information Minister Attaullah Tarar of shouting and blocking her questions on PTV, hiring and the ministry budget.

Pakistan Media Monitor | Edition 4 | July 7-20, 2026

July 20, 2026: During July 7-20, 2026 Pakistan's media faced legal action against journalists, expanded broadcast regulations, newsroom layoffs and surveillance concerns, revealing growing regulatory, economic and technological pressures on journalism.

Journalists question closed-door fuel price briefing

July 18, 2026: Journalists criticised a closed-door briefing where ministers said OGRA would set petroleum prices daily and energy reporters were not invited.

DRF USA report warns of expanding cyber surveillance in Pakistan

July 17, 2026: DRF USA warns that Pakistan's growing cyber surveillance, spyware, LIMS, and web monitoring pose serious privacy risks to press freedom and other digital rights.

Nine journalist threat cases recorded across Pakistan in June

July 15, 2026: Nine incidents of threats, arrests, legal action and assaults against journalists were recorded in Pakistan in June, highlighting threats to press freedom.

Why Punjab's district journalists are working second jobs to survive

July 14, 2026: Punjab district journalists take second jobs, running shops, tuition centres or filtration plants, to top up newsroom pay and keep reporting amid rising costs.

Pakistan Media Monitor | Edition 3 | June 23-July 6, 2026

July 06, 2026: Pakistan's media faced pressure as a major channel was suspended, journalists were arrested under cyberlaw, attacks occurred and AI-related debates intensified.

CPJ urges Pakistan to lift Geo News suspension

July 02, 2026: CPJ urged Pakistan to reverse PEMRA's 15-day suspension of Geo News' broadcast license, calling it a dangerous escalation of official interference with independent media.

Newsroom

Mumbai Press Club condemns attack on journalists in Delhi

July 22, 2026 Mumbai Press Club condemned an attack on journalists at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar, urging a prompt impartial probe and measures to ensure the safety of media.

Can journalists trust AI for fact-checking?

July 22, 2026 AI speeds fact-checking by summarising sources and flagging errors, but it cannot replace human editors and independent verification is always required.

Italian sports journalist found dead; media groups seek full investigation

July 21, 2026 Press freedom groups urge a full probe after Italian journalist Luca Esposito was found dead in Salerno; authorities are treating the case as a suspected homicide.

Philippines journalist faces criminal case over opinion article

July 21, 2026 SunStar Cebu editor Marchel Espina surrendered after a Batangas warrant over a December opinion piece, a case media groups say threatens press freedom.

Lionel Messi's tears signal the end of a football era

July 21, 2026 Lionel Messi's emotional exit after Argentina's defeat to Spain in a dramatic final in New Jersey marks the likely end of an extraordinary international career.