On the crime of being a journalist in Ethiopia

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Panel discussion with the Ethiopian journalist Amir Aman Kiyaro

They stand up for human rights, fight for freedom of speech and protect the state of law – and thereby put their lives or the lives of the ones they’re close to at risk. The Hamburg foundation for politically persecuted people has made it part of her mission to give activists a safe harbor and the chance to publicly speak, write and publish – rights that they are being deprived of in their home countries. 

Catastrophic conditions in prison, long interrogations and mistreatment have been endured by Ethiopian journalist Amir Aman Kiyaro. His family had to withstand immense pressure during their brief five-minute visits. On top of this, Kiyaro received hate comments and death threats on social media and state television, where he was labeled a “collaborator of Ethiopia’s enemies”. He had to live in constant fear of surveillance and reprisals.

Why all this? Amir Aman Kiyaro has worked as a freelance journalist for the AP news agency in his home country, Ethiopia. He reported on the civil war in the Tigray administrative zone and the impact of climate change in the region. At the end of 2021, he traveled to the war zone to cover battles between Ethiopian government forces and the Oromo Liberation Army, focusing on the consequence of war for the local population. He also conducted interviews with insurgent fighters – an act interpreted as collaboration with the enemy. Upon his return, he and his cameraman were accused of terrorism and collaboration. They were arrested and held in remand for four months before being released on bail. His report remains unpublished.

In response, the Hamburg Foundation for Politically Persecuted People provided Amir Aman Kiyaro and his family with a temporary home – a place to find respite and rebuild connections. The foundation aims to offer a safe space for politically persecuted activists to speak out and continue their work.

This year, Amir Aman Kiyaro is the featured guest at the traditional talk with a foundation guest. He will share his experiences and shed light on his work in a country that rarely makes international headlines.

The lecture will be held in English.
In Cooperation with the Hamburg Foundation for Politically Persecuted People

Greeting:
Martina Bäurle, Managing Director Hamburg Foundation for Politically Persecuted People and Benedikt Landgrebe, Deputy CEO Bucerius Law School

Moderation:
Per Ahmerkamp, student Bucerius Law School, Class of 2023
Timon Weiler, LL.B., student Bucerius Law School, Class of 2019