Missing Journalist Case Deepens Fears Over Press Freedom in Ethiopia

Ethiopia, 29 April 2026 - Concern is growing in Ethiopia after journalist Million Beyene disappeared from his newsroom in Addis Ababa, with rights groups warning the case reflects a wider pattern of pressure on the media.

Amnesty International says Beyene, the managing editor of Addis Standard, was taken on 15 April 2026 by unidentified men in civilian clothing. Weeks later, his whereabouts remain unknown.

In a letter to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Amnesty called for urgent action.

“If he is in the custody of the Ethiopian authorities, I urge that his whereabouts be immediately disclosed and that he be released immediately and unconditionally,” the organisation said, also demanding accountability for those responsible.

Details surrounding the incident have raised alarm. CCTV footage reportedly shows three men entering the newsroom before escorting Beyene out in what appeared to be a coordinated operation. His phone was briefly active later that night before going silent, heightening fears for his safety.

The case comes at a tense moment for the publication. Just weeks earlier, Ethiopian authorities had revoked Addis Standard’s operating licence, accusing it of violating national laws, claims the outlet strongly denies, saying it was never formally notified or warned.

Amnesty believes the disappearance may be linked to Beyene’s work as a journalist and says he could be held incommunicado, without access to legal counsel or family.

More broadly, the incident fits into a troubling trend. A recent report by International Media Support found that at least 44 journalists were abducted or detained in Ethiopia in 2025 alone, highlighting what it described as a “worrying period” for press freedom.

The report also points to increasing use of arrests, surveillance and legal pressure to control media activity, with security concerns often cited as justification.

Amnesty says Beyene’s case is not isolated. “Other journalists in Ethiopia have been abducted by masked and unidentifiable persons in recent months,” the group noted, warning that such incidents undermine freedom of expression.

Beyene’s family and colleagues are now left waiting for answers, as calls grow for transparency, and for the journalist to be found safe.