Amnesty demands release of Ethiopian journalist Million Beyene after abduction in Addis Ababa

Addis Standard Managing Editor Million Beyene whose whereabouts remain unknown after suspected abduction in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. (Photo: Handout)

By Mary Wambui
Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Amnesty International says Ethiopian journalist Million Beyene was abducted from a newsroom in Addis Ababa on April 15. The group urged Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to ensure an independent investigation and Beyene’s release if in custody.

Amnesty International has called for the release of Ethiopian journalist Million Beyene, who was abducted mid this month from a newsroom in Addis Ababa.

In a letter to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the human rights organisation urged him to ensure authorities carry out an “effective, independent, thorough, and transparent investigation into the abduction of Million Beyene.”

“If he is in the custody of the Ethiopian authorities, I urge that his whereabouts be immediately be disclosed and that he be released immediately and unconditionally and perpetrators be held to account,” Amnesty wrote.

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Before his abduction, Addis Standard’s registration certificate had been revoked by the Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA), which claimed the outlet repeatedly violated national laws and undermined state security.

The outlet rejected the decision, saying it had never received any formal notice or warning of alleged violations from the EMA. It added that it would challenge the revocation in court, arguing that legal requirements for prior warnings before revocation had not been met, among other procedural flaws.

According to the outlet, a review of security camera footage showed three men in civilian clothes, caps and masks entering the building in a staggered manner before jointly escorting Million out of the premises.

“The individuals appear to act in a deliberate and organised manner, with one leading ahead while others follow closely behind as they exit the building together,” the outlet added.

Amnesty said the abduction reflects a difficult and worsening media environment in Ethiopia.

“Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case. Other journalists in Ethiopia have been abducted by masked and unidentifiable persons in recent months. These abductions constitute a clear infringement upon their entitlement to freedom of expression and press freedom, as safeguarded by both regional and international human rights conventions, of which Ethiopia is a state party,” Amnesty said.