I may be freed but my country is in prison: Temesgen Desalegn

Released from prison, Temesgen Desalegn hugs his mom on Sunday.

ESAT News (October 16, 2017)

Temesgen Desalegn, a prominent journalist released on Sunday after three years in jail, said he may be out of prison but his country is not. He said he still feels that he is not free.

Speaking to ESAT from Addis Ababa, Temesgen said he was held in a dark cell for two years.

Temesgen was due to be released last Friday but authorities refused to release him despite completing his three year sentence without parole.

He said he will now focus on his health as he suffers from ear infection and back pain. He was denied proper medical care while in prison.

He was denied parole although his sentence allow him to only serve one third of his time.

Journalist Temesgen Desalegn was thrown into jail three years ago for criticizing the regime and accused of inciting violence against the regime.

The editor of the banned Feteh newspaper, Temesgen Desalegn, is known for his sharp criticism of the regime and his articles call for the people to demand and stand up for their rights.