Award-winning Ethiopian journalist sounds the alarm over press freedom

An Ethiopian journalist who obtained an award on the White Home in the US final week, has sounded the alarm over press freedom in her nation.

Meaza Mohammed was considered one of a gaggle that was introduced with an “Worldwide Girls of Braveness” award by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, on Worldwide Girls’s Day,

Introducing her, the White Home Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, mentioned that Meaza “shares tales of those that are sometimes silenced”.

The US State Division mentioned her reporting has included protection of the survivors of gender-based violence, together with sexual violence within the present battle.

“This award is a giant factor, not just for me, however for the ladies in my nation. As a result of in my nation, having a media (outlet) or working in (the) press may be very harmful, very tough,” she mentioned.

The veteran journalist and founding father of the YouTube-based Roha TV mentioned she was involved about freedom of the media in Ethiopia.

“So, they imprisoned me thrice in a yr. They closed my media (outlet). They took the whole lot from my workplace. Not solely me, however loads of journalists and media house owners had been confronted with this drawback.”

However regardless of the arrests and harassment, Meaza stays dedicated to advocating for victims of gender-based violence and making certain accountability for the crimes dedicated in opposition to them.

“Typically it offers you confidence each time you’re in a world stage or each time you’re listened to on this manner. My authorities additionally listens, whether or not they prefer it or not. They can’t be out of the worldwide agenda,” she mentioned.

The presentation of the award got here per week earlier than Blinken was due in Ethiopia, with plans to encourage the peace course of between the Ethiopian authorities and northern Tigray rebels.

Tigray was the scene of a two-year armed battle between the rebels and the federal authorities, earlier than they reached a peace settlement in November final yr.