Security Forces Detain Editor and Raid Addis Standard Newsroom

The actions come as the publisher fights the Ethiopian Media Authority’s February revocation of the outlet’s online registration in court and risk stopping its work.

Overview

Editor-in-chief Yonas Kedir was seized, physically assaulted, and held for about 24 hours, the publisher reported on Saturday.
A heavily armed team searched the Addis Ababa offices the next day, confiscating 4K cameras, microphones, mixers, batteries and other multimedia gear and damaging studio lighting and stands.
The building’s lessor served a three-day eviction notice after police involvement, and JAKENN Publishing has filed legal action to challenge the notice as unlawful.
JAKENN documented a full inventory and valuation of seized and damaged equipment and has submitted the evidence to legal counsel while the Committee to Protect Journalists urged authorities to return gear and hold those responsible to account.
Addis Standard has faced repeated state pressure in recent years, including detentions and past raids in 2020, 2021 and 2025, and the recent escalation could further curtail independent reporting and unsettle journalists and staff.