Top PEN Prize to Honor Eskinder Nega, Jailed Ethiopian Journalist and Blogger

April 15, 2012

Ethiopia: Top PEN Prize to Honor Eskinder Nega, Jailed Ethiopian Journalist and Blogger

Source: PEN

PEN American Center today named Eskinder Nega, a journalist and dissident blogger in Ethiopia, as the recipient of its 2012 PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award. Nega, a leading advocate for press freedom and freedom of expression in Ethiopia, was arrested on September 14, 2011, and is currently being tried under the country’s sweeping anti-terror legislation, which criminalizes any reporting deemed to “encourage” or “provide moral support” to groups and causes which the government considers to be “terrorist.” He could face the death penalty if convicted.

Bill Gates vows to defeat hunger & diseases in Ethiopia: Could entrenched political interests allow him? –PART I BY KEFFYALEW GEBREMEDHIN

April 15, 2012

 Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has finally come full circle. Over the decades, he has thrived on controversies, some of which he fostered, and stil does, with unmatched skills and perfect timing. They have served his purpose of staying in power as long to contentedly observe from above his allies and opponents bogged down in endless battles he has masterminded.