Meskerem Abera
Meskerem Abera | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1989 Dangila, Gojjam, Ethiopia |
| Occupation(s) | Journalist, activist, lecturer |
| Known for | Journalism, activism, founder of Ethio Nikat Media YouTube channel |
Meskerem Abera (Amharic: መስከረም አበራ; born 1989) is an Ethiopian journalist and activist who experienced arbitrary arrest and detention during the tenure of the Abiy Ahmed government. She was taken into custody in April 2023 on terrorism-related accusations and was officially indicted by June of the same year.
In November 2024, her prison term was reduced from twelve months to four months by a federal court.[1]
Early life and education
Meskerem Abera was born in 1989 in Dangila, Gojjam. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and historical management, followed by a Master’s degree in Development Studies from Addis Ababa University. Subsequently, she served as a lecturer at Hawassa Teachers College, where her work concentrated on socio-economic research.[2]
Journalism and activism
As the founder of the Ethio Nikat Media YouTube channel, Meskerem was detained in Addis Ababa in April 2023, accused of "inciting violence and rioting." By June, she faced formal terrorism charges. In May, she participated in a hunger strike protesting political oppression. The Committee to Protect Journalists has acknowledged her case.[3] Additionally, according to the Amhara Association of America, her legal counsel reported that she was charged with computer-related offenses.[4]
On 25 November 2024, the federal judiciary shortened her sentence from one year to four months.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs named:0 - ↑ "EPRDF was a source of our problem and it became part of our solution thanks to Premier Dr. Abiy. I cannot imagine the reform without Dr. Abiy: Meskerem Abera instructor, researcher. – Ethiopian Press Agency". Retrieved 2024-12-08.
- ↑ "Meskerem Abera". Committee to Protect Journalists. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
- ↑ AAA-admin (2024-11-01). "BBC Amharic – Meskerem Abera accused of computer crimes". Amhara Association o. Retrieved 2024-12-08.