Kiyaro was granted bail Tuesday by Addis Ababa’s capital while prosecutors decide whether to press charges. Kiyaro was still in custody as bail procedures were followed prior to his expected release.
Kiyaro (aged 30), a video journalist who is accredited to The Associated Press was taken into custody on Nov. 28th in Addis Ababa, under the country’s war related state of emergency powers.
According to reports from Ethiopian state media citing federal police, Kiyaro was accused of “serving” the purposes of what the government classified as a terrorist organization by interviewing its officials. Thomas Engida, a local journalist, was also arrested and faces similar charges.
According to Tesfaye Olani, federal police inspector, journalists could be sentenced to seven to fifteen years imprisonment if they are found guilty of violating Ethiopian’s state of emergency or anti-terrorism laws.
Although Kiyaro was granted bail, it is still unclear if prosecutors will press charges against him. This comes after four months of detention and police investigation. In February, the government lifted the state of emergency due to changing circumstances in the deadly conflict between Ethiopian forces & those from the northern Tigray.
Julie Pace, executive editor at AP, stated in response to the bail request, “We are happy that journalist Amir Aman Kiyaro was granted bail and are eager for him release from prison after he has been detained in Ethiopia more than 120 days.”
Pace stated that the investigation against Amir is ongoing and no charges have been filed. “Amir, an independent journalist, has been targeted due to his work. We urge the Ethiopian authorities not to continue their investigation.”