# Ethiopian Authorities Urged to Release Journalists Dessu Dulla and Bikila Amenu
Nairobi, May 2, 2022 – The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called for the immediate release of journalists Dessu Dulla and Bikila Amenu in Ethiopia. The journalists, who work for the social media-based broadcaster Oromia News Network, were charged under Article 238 of the country's criminal code, which prohibits "outrages against the constitution" in the region of Oromia.
## Charges and Potential Sentences
The charges against Dessu and Bikila were filed on April 7, and if convicted, they could face a minimum of three years in prison, life imprisonment, or even the death penalty. Prosecutors have also invoked Article 258, which mandates death sentences in cases of outrages against the constitution under aggravating conditions, such as alleged offenses committed during a civil war or with the support of foreign actors.
Dessu, the editor-in-chief of ONN and host of the program "Under the Shadow of Democracy," along with Bikila, a reporter and news presenter, were arrested on November 18, 2021. They are currently being held at Daleti Prison in the Oromia Regional State's Finfinne Surrounding Special Zone. Despite several adjournments, their next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, May 3.
## CPJ's Response
CPJ's Africa Program Coordinator, Angela Quintal, has condemned the charges against Dessu and Bikila, calling them "outrageous." Quintal emphasized the need for the journalists to be released immediately and unconditionally, highlighting the retaliatory nature of the proceedings.
## Trial and Co-Defendants
Dessu and Bikila are facing trial alongside 15 co-defendants who are allegedly linked to the Oromia Regional National Transitional Government, established by opposition parties in the region. The chargesheet presented by authorities does not specify the exact offenses the defendants are accused of committing.
## Journalistic Work
Dessu's program, "Under the Shadow of Democracy," focused on threats to democracy in Ethiopia, particularly in Oromia. Bikila, on the other hand, covered daily and weekly news roundups, including the conflicts in Tigray and Oromia regions, and human rights violations in Oromia. Despite the charges, neither ONN nor the Oromo Liberation Front is mentioned in the chargesheet, indicating that the arrests may be related to their journalistic work.
## Previous Detentions and State of Emergency
Both journalists were detained during a crackdown following the declaration of a state of emergency in late 2021. While other journalists arrested during the same period were released between January and April 2022, Dessu and Bikila remained in custody. Previous instances of detention have been reported for both journalists, raising concerns about press freedom in Ethiopia.
## Lack of Response from Authorities
Despite efforts to seek clarification from authorities, including reaching out to the Oromia Police Commissioner and the Oromia Communications Bureau, CPJ has received no responses to their inquiries. The lack of transparency and accountability in the handling of the case has raised further concerns about due process and fair treatment of journalists in Ethiopia.
# Table: Summary of Key Information
| Journalists | Dessu Dulla and Bikila Amenu |
|——————|——————————|
| Charges | Outrages against the constitution |
| Potential Sentences | 3 years to life imprisonment, or death penalty |
| Next Court Appearance | May 3, 2022 |
| Co-Defendants | 15 individuals linked to opposition parties |
| Previous Detentions | Bikila in 2019, Dessu in 2020 |
| Current Detention | Since November 18, 2021 |
In conclusion, the ongoing detention and charges against Dessu Dulla and Bikila Amenu highlight the challenges faced by journalists in Ethiopia. The international community, including press freedom organizations and governments, must continue to advocate for their release and uphold the principles of free speech and journalism.
