By Hannatu Sadiq
Ethiopia’s media regulator has seized the licence of Addis Standard Newspaper for allegedly “advancing terrorist group’s agenda”.
The Addis Standard Newspaper has allegedly been reporting on the offensive by rebel groups in the north.
The regulator said the Newspaper was “legitimizing a terrorist group – designated as a terrorist group in May- as a ‘Defence Force'”.
The Newspaper announced that it was “deeply disturbed” by the decision and had suspended operations effectively.
The company that owns the Newspaper, Jakken Publishing, said there was no “due explanation” and that it was pursuing all avenues to ensure freedom of press is upheld.
The regulator reaffirmed commitment to press freedom and said that “freedom comes with responsibility and accountability”.
Meanwhile, TPLF and other rebel groups formed the Tigray Defence Force that has been seizing towns in the region from the federal troops.
