Media Talk: Public Order, State Security and Press Freedom in Ethiopia - £5 September 29, 2006

Join us as we discuss the severe restrictions on freedom of expression in Ethiopia, the country with the highest number of imprisoned journalists in Africa.

Ethiopian authorities argue that they are upholding public order and state security to justify their heavy-handed policies towards journalists.

As a result more than 15 journalists have been jailed and many more have had to flee the country to avoid prosecution.

Reporters Without Borders labelled Ethiopian leader Meles Zanawi a "freedom of press predator".

The panel will discuss ways of easing tensions between the state and the media in Ethiopia.

Ato Kifle Mulat, exiled president of the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists (EFJA) who had to flee the country and now lives in Uganda.

Derbew Temesgen Meshesha, a well-known Ethiopian journalist and a lawyer who defended, and continues to defend, persecuted journalists.
Dr Martin Hill, Horn of Africa researcher from Amnesty International.

John Barker, Africa Programme Director from ARTICLE 19.

Moderator: Keith Bowers, Former Executive Editor, BBC.

Official Website: http://www.frontlineclub.com