An Ethiopian independent outlet has called for urgent investigation after its managing editor was allegedly abducted Wednesday in Addis Ababa.
The Addis Standard among few independent media voices had its licence revoked in February by government authorities over national interests.
Managing editor Million Beyene was taken late Wednesday morning from newsroom by unidentified individuals in plain clothes publisher said statement.
The individuals told him he was needed for questioning before escorting him to an undisclosed location statement said by authorities.
Camera footage reviewed by publisher showed at least three men wearing caps and face masks entering building in coordinated fashion.
Jakenn Publishing contacted police at various levels and stations all of which said Million was not in their custody currently.
The publisher called on city and federal police and Ethiopian Human Rights Commission to launch investigation into disappearance his case.
Publisher noted abduction comes amid repeated and intensifying security and administrative pressures targeting newsroom and operations months in recent months.
We strongly condemn this alarming act said Editor-in-Chief Yonas Kedir of Addis Standard in a statement Wednesday to journalists released.
We call for his immediate release and urge authorities to act swiftly ensuring safety and upholding rule of law order.
Ethiopia Africa’s second most populous country with 130 million inhabitants ranks 145th out of 180 in RSF press freedom index.