FREEDOM OF SPEECH AT COURT

The freedom of expression, though a central pillar of democracy,is one of the most threatened rights ,with governments and powerful economic agents all over the world constantly trying to curtail it. The recent move by the sheik Al Amoudy suing a local Ethiopian radio host,Ato Mirchaw Sinishaw, for his journalistic opinion's is a clear demonstration of the case.

On an open letter sent and posted today, 7 june 2005, on Ethiomedia "the sheik" alleged while exercising his democratic right to support TPLF/EPRDF on the 15 May elections in Ethiopia, he feels there have been "campaigns of hate" conducted against him both in Ethiopia and abroad by people from the independent media.

Expressing himself as a staunch supporter of democracy in Ethiopia and an activist for the development of independent media, the Shake however calls for joining forces to change the fate of the country, although failing from explaining exactly which force, refrain from empty rhetoric and demonstrate deeds.

” We are all born Ethiopians. But this is not good enough! We need to do more to improve the lives of our people and help in the development of our nation. No amount of proclamation of love for your country, from abroad is enough. This could only be seen as an empty rhetoric and would lead us nowhere, unless it is followed by actual deeds..Rather I suggest that we join forces to improve the lot of our country. Recrimination of one another leads nowhere and therefore should stop”

After saying so however the Sheik in a twisted move use recrimination as a weapon to intimidate and silence voices using his indispensable economic resources to sue a fellow citizen and a journalist allegedly accusing him for ”campaigns of defamation”

In his letter the Sheikh claims ”Equally, I am a staunch supporter for the rise and flourishing of independent media both at home and abroad.”

If the Sheik is a staunch supporter of an independent media why then use his lucrative economic power to employ expensive lawyers against his own fellow citizen who did nothing but expressed his concern on the Sheiks move trying to use his economic and social standing for a political purpose by confusing the people,the millions are wondering.

His act however is out of proportion in a democratic society leave alone being a staunch supporter and promoter of independent media in the country.

While standing for his rights to be a member of TPLF/EPRDF what the Sheiks ignores or defies,knowingly or unknowingly, is however the fundamental right of every one else to hold opinions,to receive and impart information and ideas without interferences by the authority or a business tycoon like himself.

The media in particular has an essential role in the creation and development of any democratic process by reporting freely on matters of public interest.The expression of course extends at times to unfavorable information's or findings both to the journalist himself covering the story,the public at large or individuals and groups as much as it could be that of popular or inoffensive information or opinion.

Building such an economic empire and dominating pretty much every sect of the society through his business conglomerates that runs from luxurious hotels to a pharmacure's drug manufacturing plant, a nursing college, high story Building complex, construction companies, soft drinks, paper and corrugated iron sheet manufacturing companies to mention the few, clearly and as a result of this the Shake must expect and tolerate greater public scrutiny and criticism than the average citizen.He particularly should act so because he claims in his words "I support the introduction of democracy into Ethiopia"

And Ato Mirchaw Sinishaw exercises his crucial professional role as a journalist and performs with a possible humanly mistakes his public duty in reporting this matter of great public concern.Even making errors,it is not necessarily true in a democratic society for journalists to prove the truth of their opinions and value judgments about political and public figures like himself since freedom of speech is not limited to verifiability or factual data and evidence.After all such errors occurs because those public figures fails to clearly and publicly express their view and attitudes.Instead they use their social and economic standing to melaciously and illegally campaign for a poletical party leaving the millions in confusion and decite.

Rather, I ask the Sheik so why havent you use the public media to respond to the lies you alleged instead of running to court with all your due right to do so?Where is your Ethiopiiawinet?Crucifying your fellow brothers for holding a view that doesn't fit your interest?As you your self said it we need to do more than empty rhetoric saying you support improvements and kill those who strted the work.So your own empty rhetoric should follow a deed to support fellow citizens not use your money to attack and suppress them.


the sheik is entitled to be a member of any party of his wish.But the people has spoken clearily during the election that even those people who are good and did good things shall not enjoy the support of their mass when they side with the unfamous and dangerious poletical party;a lesson the Sheik should lern from Arkebe Ekubay.
All in all I feel the acts of the Sheik is against the freedom of the press and all medias should react to it accordingly.

Email: beniam_w@hotmail.com

City: Stockholm

By the way is Melse or Shih are post there message in this board. If that is the case please shut up and look for your place. Who is writing this thing?

City: Falls Church

I dont think you understand the message mitu.please read it carefully

Email: beniam_w@hotmail.com

City: Stockholm