UN rights chief 'seriously alarmed' by intimidation of journalists in Ethiopia
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Navi Pillay
The top United Nations human rights official said Wednesday she is "seriously alarmed" by the current climate of intimidation against journalists and human rights defenders in Ethiopia.
Charles Appel reports.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay says the overly broad interpretation of laws concerning terrorism and civil society in Ethiopia are resulting in criminalizing the exercise of fundamental human rights.
She points to the recent sentencing of 20 Ethiopians, including prominent blogger Eskinder Nega, journalists and opposition figures, under the vague anti-terrorism law.
Ms. Pillay says charging journalists and political opposition members with terrorism and treason charges is seriously limiting their legitimate rights to freedom of expression and association.
She is urging the Government to review its legislation, as well as its interpretation and application by the courts.
Charles Appel, United Nations
Duration: 46″
