June 13, 2025
By: Getahun Tsegaye
Staff Reporter
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Journalist Tesfalem Waldyes, founder and editor-in-chief of the online media outlet “Ethiopia Insider,” was released from detention today, Friday, June 13, 2025. His release was confirmed by Haq Media and Communication, the publisher of “Ethiopia Insider.
The statement from Haq Media and Communication announced their “delight to announce the release of journalist Tesfalem Waldyes,” and extended thanks to “Tesfalem’s friends, dedicated colleagues, and the entire ‘Ethiopia Insider’ family for their unwavering support during his challenging detention.” They also expressed deep appreciation for “the efforts of all local and international organizations that tirelessly advocated for Tesfalem’s freedom,” stating, “Your solidarity has been invaluable.”
Tesfalem’s detention had drawn widespread condemnation from media rights organizations and professional associations. Just a day earlier, Borkena reported on the demands of The Ethiopian Mass Media Professionals Association (EMMPA), which called for “the immediate and unconditional release of journalist Tesfalem Waldyes,” citing “serious concerns over his continued detention despite multiple court orders granting him bail.”
He was reportedly arrested without a court warrant on June 8, 2025. He appeared before the Kirkos Division of the Addis Ababa City First Instance Court on June 10, 2025, where bail was set at 15,000 Ethiopian Birr. However, police “repeatedly refused to honor the court’s decision, keeping him in custody.”
On June 10, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) also urged Ethiopian authorities to immediately release Tesfalem. Muthoki Mumo, CPJ Africa Program Coordinator, stated, “The detention of Tesfalem Waldyes, even after a court ordered his release, underscores the Ethiopian government’s disregard for judicial processes and press freedom. Authorities must immediately release Tesfalem unconditionally.”
Tesfalem’s lawyer, Betemariam Alemayehu, confirmed to CPJ that while police had “indicated plans to appeal,” no formal appeal had been submitted as of Tuesday evening, and Tesfalem remained in custody until his release today.
This is not Waldyes’s first encounter with state pressure. He was previously detained for over a year in 2014 on charges related to inciting violence and terrorism. In July 2023, CPJ also urged an investigation into a break-in at “Ethiopia Insider’s” office.