Ethiopian authorities arrested French journalist Antoine Galindo, raising concerns about press freedom among international observers. Galindo was accused of “conspiring with armed groups to create chaos” in Ethiopia, according to an announcement from his employer.
Galindo was detained while interviewing a political officer of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), Bate Urgessa, at a hotel in Addis Ababa. Following his arrest, Galindo was brought before a judge who rejected his bail request and extended his detention until March 1st, citing the need for further investigation and access to Galindo’s phone records.
Authorities alleged Galindo’s conspiracy involved two armed groups – the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and a local militia known as Fano. However, they did not present any supporting evidence along with these accusations. The declaration sparked criticism due to the lack of supporting evidence alongside the Ethiopian politician’s concurrent arrest.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called for the immediate and unconditional release of Galindo, describing the arrest under “alarming circumstances” as “unjust”. Indigo Publications, the independent press group that publishes Africa Intelligence for which Galindo works, also fervently rejected the allegations, labeling them as spurious accusations with no base or evidence.
Indigo pointed out that Galindo possessed a visa authorizing him to work as a journalist and had informed Ethiopian authorities about his assignment in the country beforehand. This incident and its handling is seen by the CPJ and Indigo Publications as a serious threat to press freedom.
Ethiopia has been witness to rising tensions and clashes, chiefly in the Amhara region since July 2023, marked by conflicts between armed forces and the local Fano militia. Concerns have risen over a surge in attacks on journalists and freedom of expression amid these strained circumstances.
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