Addis Ababa – Reuters news agency has condemned the arrest of its cameraman Kumerra Gemechu in Ethiopia, saying no reason has been given for his detention.
His family said police handcuffed and took him away from their home in the capital, Addis Ababa, on Thursday, and seized his phone and computer.
Police have not yet commented.
Gemechu, 38, covered the conflict in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region, but it was not clear whether his arrest was connected to his work, said Reuters.
His family said flash drives and papers were also seized during his arrest by about 10 armed officers, reported the agency.
According to Reuters, Gemechu has worked for the agency as a freelance cameraman for a decade. His detention came almost two weeks after Ethiopian police officers assaulted Reuters photographer Tiksa Negeri, added the agency.
“Journalists must be allowed to report the news in the public interest without fear of harassment or harm, wherever they are. We will not rest until Kumerra is freed,” said Reuters editor-in-chief Stephen Adler in a statement.
Gemechu appeared at a brief court briefing on Friday where no lawyer was present. A judge ordered his detention for a further 14 days to give police time to investigate, his family said, according to Reuters. He has not been charged.
