Ethiopian journalist and commentator Salsawit Baynesagn has been detained without charge since June 8, raising serious concerns about press freedom and due process in Ethiopia. Rights advocates and media organizations have called on authorities to immediately release her or formally charge her and bring her before a court in accordance with the law.
According to her family, Baynesagn’s detention may be linked to a series of videos she recently published on TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube discussing the killing of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians in the Arsi Zone of Oromia Regional State. In her commentary, she criticized government officials, religious leaders, and the broader public for what she described as a lack of response to the violence.
Police reportedly arrested Baynesagn at her home in Addis Ababa after telling her she was needed for questioning. Since then, authorities have not publicly disclosed any charges against her or provided details regarding the legal basis for her detention. Family members say she has not been brought before a court despite being held for more than a week.
Following her arrest, Baynesagn was initially held in a temporary detention facility where relatives were denied access. She was later transferred to the Addis Ababa Police Commission detention center, commonly known as Sostegna.
Before becoming an independent commentator, Baynesagn worked for the state-affiliated Walta TV and later for Fana Media Corporation. She left Fana Media in late 2025 and began producing independent political and social commentary on her own digital platforms, where she built an audience discussing public affairs and human rights issues.
On June 16, her family filed a habeas corpus petition seeking her release. Her lawyer argued that Ethiopian law requires detainees to be brought before a court within 48 hours and informed of any allegations against them. Although a court appearance was reportedly scheduled for June 17, her family and legal representatives were unable to serve the summons on the relevant police officials, who allegedly stated that staff could not be reached as the offices were relocating.
At Free Press Alliance, we strongly condemn the detention of Salsawit Baynesagn without charge and call on Ethiopian authorities to respect her fundamental rights and due process protections. Journalists and independent commentators must be able to discuss matters of public interest without fear of arbitrary detention or retaliation. Authorities should immediately release Baynesagn or ensure that any legal proceedings are conducted transparently, fairly, and in full accordance with national and international human rights standards.