Federal Supreme Court Upholds Bail For Sheger FM Journalists
Federal Supreme Court Upholds Bail for Sheger FM Journalists Amid Terrorism Allegations: A Glimmer of Hope in a Challenging Media Landscape
ADDIS ABABA – In a significant development for press freedom in Ethiopia, the Federal Supreme Court has upheld a lower court’s decision granting bail to two journalists from Sheger FM radio, who have been in custody for over two weeks on suspicion of terrorism. This ruling comes amidst a highly scrutinized media landscape in Ethiopia, where journalists frequently face legal challenges and pressures.
The ruling, which affirms a previous decision by the Federal High Court’s Lideta Division, ordered the release of editor Tigist Zerihun and reporter Mintamir Tsegawe on a 50,000 birr bond each. The Federal Police’s Crime Investigation Bureau had appealed the high court’s ruling, arguing the journalists could tamper with evidence if released. However, the Federal Supreme Court’s 2nd Criminal Bench rejected this appeal, closing the case file on September 24, 2025—the 21st day of the journalists’ detention.
The Reporting That Led to Arrests
The arrests trace back to a news report aired on Sheger FM on August 29, 2025. The segment featured health professionals discussing a circular from the Ministry of Health regarding their benefit demands, a topic that quickly drew official scrutiny. Four days later, on September 3, police took Tigist Zerihun and Mintamir Tsegawe into custody. The Head of News and Programs, Eshete Assefa, was also briefly detained before being released after giving his statement.
According to Sheger FM, the Federal Police accused the journalists of “creating terrorism.” Police stated in court that the journalists were arrested for “using the security problems in some parts of our country as a convenient opportunity to incite conflict between ethnic groups, spreading false information and rumors on social media…causing the government and the public to clash…and releasing rebellious writings and videos.”
Despite the police’s claims, the Federal High Court on September 17, 2025, found no legal basis to deny bail and issued the release order. Sheger FM reported that even after the judge’s order was delivered to the police, the journalists were not released, prompting the police to file an appeal with the Supreme Court the next day.
A Battle Over Evidence
The appeal hearing on September 12 became a legal showdown over the issue of evidence tampering. The Federal Police argued that the journalists’ removal of the original report from Sheger FM’s website after the initial arrest was proof they might destroy other evidence.
The journalists’ lawyer countered that the report had been removed on the instruction of the Ethiopian Media Authority, not to destroy evidence. The lawyer also pointed out that the full news report was already in the police’s possession, making the tampering argument invalid.
After reviewing the arguments, the Supreme Court sided with the journalists and the lower court’s decision, affirming their right to bail and ordering their immediate release.
Ethiopia’s Evolving Media Landscape: A Context of Pressure
This case unfolds within a complex and often restrictive media environment in Ethiopia. While there have been periods of reform and opening, particularly following political transitions, press freedom remains a persistent concern for local and international observers. Journalists frequently face challenges ranging from arbitrary arrests and detentions to charges under broad anti-terrorism laws or defamation statutes.
Government control over state media is extensive, and independent outlets often operate under a cloud of surveillance and self-censorship to avoid repercussions. Regulatory bodies, such as the Ethiopian Media Authority, wield significant power, including the ability to issue directives on content and revoke licenses.
Access to information can be limited, and critical reporting, especially on sensitive political or security issues, often leads to punitive measures. The upcoming national elections are expected to further intensify scrutiny and pressure on media professionals, making this Supreme Court decision a notable, albeit potentially temporary, moment of relief for the country’s independent journalists.
International Condemnation
The arrests of the journalists have drawn swift and strong condemnation from international human rights and media organizations, who view the detentions as part of a worrying trend.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called for the unconditional release of the journalists, with CPJ’s Africa Program Coordinator Mutoki Mumo stating, “access to independent reporting on health issues is crucial for the Ethiopian public, and the authorities’ response with censorship and control is highly concerning.”
Human Rights Watch echoed these concerns, noting that the arrests came shortly after the journalists’ report aired. The organization highlighted that the Ethiopian Media Authority had ordered the report removed and accused the station of “bias and inciting terrorism.” The organization also warned that the increasing arrests of journalists and media professionals in Ethiopia since August 2025 could “endanger press freedom ahead of the upcoming national elections.”
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