Nairobi — The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on Ethiopian authorities to take immediate action to locate and secure the release of Million Beyene, the managing editor of Addis Standard. Million was abducted from his newsroom in Addis Ababa on Wednesday morning by unidentified men. According to a statement from Jakenn Publishing PLC, the publisher of Addis Standard, the men, who were dressed in plainclothes and some wearing caps and face masks, informed Million that he was “needed for questioning” before taking him to an undisclosed location.
Muthoki Mumo, CPJ Africa Program Coordinator, expressed concern over Million Beyene’s disappearance, stating that it represents a troubling new chapter for the respected digital outlet, especially following the revocation of its registration certificate by authorities in February. Mumo emphasized the need for Ethiopian authorities to swiftly determine who was responsible for Million’s abduction, ensure his safe return, and hold those accountable for the act. The Addis Standard has faced increasing state pressure, including a raid on its newsroom in 2025 and a ban in 2021.
Screenshots from security camera footage dated April 15, published by the outlet, depicted at least three men moving deliberately through a stairwell, described as “organized,” with one leading while others closely followed. Despite efforts by Jakenn’s leadership and legal team, they have been unable to locate Million. Four different police departments and stations have confirmed that he is not in their custody. Officers from both the Addis Ababa Police and the Federal Police Commission’s surveillance unit stated they did not recognize the individuals involved as members of their forces.
Million’s abduction occurs amid escalating pressure on media outlets in Ethiopia, particularly with elections approaching on June 1. In February, an Agence France-Presse journalist was barred from traveling to the northern Tigray region. Additionally, the Ethiopian Media Authority revoked the accreditation of Reuters journalists following an investigation and suspended the operating license of online outlet Wazema Radio for reporting deemed contrary to the “national interest.” In October, the authority suspended the licenses of all nine Deutsche Welle (DW) correspondents in Ethiopia, citing unspecified violations of media and hate speech laws. While seven journalists have since been allowed to return to work, suspensions remain for the two correspondents covering the Tigray and Amhara regions.
When contacted by CPJ, federal police spokesman Jeylan Abdi stated via WhatsApp that Million’s family had confirmed he was not being detained by federal police and referred further inquiries to the Addis Ababa police. On April 16, Addis Ababa police spokesperson Markos Tadesse directed CPJ to the head of public relations, Thomas Eshete, who reported that he had no information regarding the case.
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