After over 45 days in prison, Oromia Media Network (OMN) journalist Guyo Wario was released on bail Tuesday, the Voice of America reported. “I am so happy for being with family now. [The] prison situation was very tough, but the court investigated my case and approved my bail. I am so happy,” he was quoted as saying by the VOA’s Horn of Africa service.
A lower court ordered Wario’s release on bail a week ago, and the higher court gave the final order Monday, but paperwork delayed the release, VOA reported citing a family member.
OMN journalist Mohamed Siraj was released on bail Saturday but Mellese Diribsa and camera operator Nasir Adem, along with Minnesota resident IT technician Misha Adem Cirrii, remain in detention, according to the VOA.
Image: Guyo Wario, courtesy of OMN.
What was their crime? “on bail” sends the message as if they are still accused of something? Who protects the jounalists from arbitrary acts of the state? ..very sad to read/hear everyday such type of stories.