Addis Standard Managing Editor Million Beyene
ADDIS ABABA – The editorial board of Addis Standard has expressed “grave concern” following the disappearance of its Managing Editor, Million Beyene, who was taken from the publication’s headquarters by unidentified individuals on Wednesday morning.
Million, a veteran journalist with over 20 years of experience, was taken from the Jaken Publishing (Addis Standard) office near the CMC Michael area at approximately 10:40 AM on April 15, 2026. According to Yonas Kedir, the Editor-in-Chief of Addis Standard, the individuals were dressed in civilian clothing.
CCTV footage from the building shows at least four individuals; three wearing hats and masks moving in a coordinated manner around the office floor before the incident. The footage shows the men entering the office and telling Million they “wanted him for questioning.”
“We observed them taking his phone and leading him away while he was carrying his laptop,” Yonas told Ethiopia Insider. Despite the coordinated nature of the operation, both the Federal Police and the Addis Ababa Police have denied any involvement, claiming the individuals seen in the footage are not their members.
This incident occurs amidst what Addis Standard describes as “intensified security and administrative pressures” on its newsroom.
- Previous Raids: In April last year, police raided the office, seizing laptops, mobile phones, and CPUs.
- Digital Surveillance: After the equipment was returned, IT experts reportedly found evidence of sophisticated “malware” and surveillance software installed on the devices.
- License Revocation: In February 2026, the Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA) revoked Addis Standard’s registration, accusing it of “disseminating reports that endanger national interests.” The publication is currently challenging this decision in court, labeling it “illegal.”
As of today, neither the journalist’s family nor his legal team has been notified of his location. “Usually, if a legal body detains someone, they are handed over to a police station, and the family is notified to bring food or clothing. None of that has happened here,” Yonas added.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has been notified of the disappearance, which the publication has termed an “abduction.”
Million Beyene joined Addis Standard four years ago, having previously served at the Walta Information Center and the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA).
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