Tesfalem Waldyes, the founder and editor-in-chief of Ethiopia Insider, an online media outlet managed by Haq Media and Communication, was arrested by security forces on Sunday, June 8, 2025. Haq Media and Communications has learned that he was taken into custody by plainclothed officers at the Ghion Hotel in Addis Ababa. He was forced to spend the night in a chair at the police department in the Estephanos area.
Tesfalem was transferred from the Estephanos area police station, where he spent the first night, to a police station in the Kera area of Addis Ababa on June 9, 2025, where he spent the night.
This morning, Tesfalem was brought before the Kirkos Division of the Addis Ababa City First Instance Court. On the same day, Tuesday, June 10, 2025, the court granted him bail, with a 15,000-birr bail bond. After the bail amount was paid, the court ordered the Kirkos Sub-City Police Department to release Tesfalem from custody, as he met the legal requirements. According to the court’s release order, Tesfalem was accused of “spreading false information”. The investigating police have stated that they will appeal the order granting Tesfalem bail. However, they have not yet formally appealed to the court.
Haq Media and Communication has paid the bail fee to secure the guarantee. Yet, the letter written by the court to the Kirkos Sub-City Police Department was not signed by the relevant police officer. As a result, Tesfalem remains in detention at the time of this statement.
Tesfalem, recognized for his strong commitment to professional journalism and ethics, being arrested again by security forces, has caused deep concern among his colleagues, friends, and family.
Despite repeated challenges, Ethiopia Insider has consistently delivered independent and impartial reporting that upholds high professional ethics over the years. As such, it has established a reputation as an online media institution known for its credibility and public acceptance.
Our organization asserts that the arrest of Editor-in-Chief Tesfalem Waldyes is significantly affecting the work of the media and calls for his immediate release. Furthermore, we will share any information received from the police and the court with our audiences until the case is resolved.