The last of the Zone 9 Bloggers are finally free from jail, after nearly 18 months of detention for simply speaking out online. All the bloggers were acquitted of terrorism charges by the Ethiopian courts; one blogger, Befeqadu Hailu was found guilty of a single charge of “inciting violence” as a result of a confession made during his detention. He was released on bail last Wednesday. Given the time he has already served, he is unlikely to return to jail.
The victory of the bloggers over these baseless accusations of terrorism is a relief to everyone concerned: their friends, family, and
While Zone 9 bloggers are free, the Ethiopian government’s continues to threaten and incarcerate journalists and online speakers. According the Committee to Protect Journalists,
Diplomatic pressure from Ethiopia’s allies,
In the Zone 9 case, the heart of the prosecution revolved around Ethiopia’s
Ethiopia’s allies could certainly pressure the Desalegn regime to roll back the law. Unfortunately, the political cove—indeed the very mode—for the Anti-Terrorism Declaration comes from the domestic policies of those same countries. Teddy Workneh, a fellow at the University of Oregon,
There is, however, one step that every country critical of Ethiopia’s treatment of Internet users and journalists could take. Prosecutors in the Zone 9 case used the bloggers’ possession of digital security manuals, including guides to using encryption to protect communications, as evidence that they were involved in terrorist activities. International government organizations like
Foreign governments that support these initiatives need to make it clear to allies like Ethiopia that the use of encryption and efforts to improve the security of one’s communications are not indicators of terrorist intent, but part and parcel of the modern journalist’s (or blogger’s) toolkit.
They could begin now by raising this matter in another case now passing through the Ethiopian courts: that of
Ethiopian prosecutors are trying to turn the responsible practices of any journalist, blogger or concerned Internet user into evidence of terrorism. The international community needs to step forward and make clear that this case, and others like it, are as unacceptable as any other attack on the Ethiopian media. The Zone 9 Bloggers are free, but no more Ethiopians should face the ridiculous accusations simply for caring to protect their own online communications.