Ethiopian Court Sentences Man to 7 Years for Social Media Posts Supporting Armed Group
In a move that has raised concerns about freedom of expression in Ethiopia, a court in Addis Abeba has sentenced a man to seven years of rigorous imprisonment for posting messages and videos on social media in support of an armed group. Wondimagegn Bergena, the defendant, was found guilty of defaming the government and disseminating propaganda materials in support of Fano, an armed group engaged in conflict with government forces in the Amhara region.
According to the prosecution, Wondimagegn created social media accounts on WhatsApp and TikTok to spread messages and videos that incited anti-government sentiment and supported Fano’s objectives. Key evidence presented in court included a message sent to a social media influencer, Zemedeakun Bekele, in which Wondimagegn claimed that government forces were demolishing homes in Arba Minch. The prosecution argued that this information was intended to inflame anti-government sentiment and create suspicion against the government.
The court also heard that Wondimagegn had posted content that included photos of armed individuals and Fano leaders, as well as messages inciting the youth to join the group’s armed activities. These posts were reportedly viewed by at least ten people on TikTok. The prosecution framed Wondimagegn’s actions as part of a broader effort to incite violence and provide propaganda support to a group designated by the state as a threat to national security.
Wondimagegn pleaded not guilty, but the court concluded that he had failed to disprove the allegations against him. The sentence of seven years of rigorous imprisonment has sparked concerns about the shrinking space for freedom of expression and independent press in Ethiopia. This comes just two weeks after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared that his government does not jail individuals for expressing their views and opinions.
The sentencing of Wondimagegn also highlights the worrying decline in press freedom in East Africa. According to the 2025 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Ethiopia ranks 145th out of 180 countries, with a "very serious" category rating. This ranking places Ethiopia close to Uganda and Rwanda, which have also been criticized for their human rights records.
The case of Wondimagegn Bergena serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting freedom of expression and the need for governments to respect the rights of citizens to express their opinions and views without fear of persecution. As the space for independent press and freedom of expression continues to shrink in Ethiopia, it is essential for the international community to pay attention to the human rights situation in the country and to support those who are fighting for their rights to be heard.
