Salsawit Baynesagn yime

HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDER

Country(ies) of nationality

Type of HRD

HRD's thematic area of engagement

HRD's bio and work: She used to be a journalist at government media houses, due to the challenges she faced, she resigned from position and currently advocating on different social issues. She is also a voice for women who have been killed and victims on her social media platforms.

Country or area of detention

Region of detention

Location of detention - Facility: Addis Ababa Police Commission | Piasa | የአዲስ አበባ ፖሊስ ኮሚሽን | ፒያሳ

Geolocation of detention

Latitude: 9.041651188177287

Longitude: 38.751306643643176

Recent case update / evolution: She was arrested by the authorities while wearing an Addis Ababa police uniform and was detained at the Addis Ababa police station for 13 days without charge. She was also not brought before a court. Through her lawyer, she filed a petition alleging unlawful detention and a failure to produce her in court (habeas corpus) within 48 hours.

Before her detention, she shared her opinions regarding the mass killing and violations against Orthodox Christians in Oromia region, Aresi.

Although there is no officially opened case file against her, it is suspected that her detention was a result of her freedom of expression on her platforms.

Currently, she has been released on bail.

Allegations / reports of ill-treatment: Physically, she is not injured; however, her constitutionally guaranteed rights have been violated, and she has experienced traumatic incidents.

Any other relevant documents: https://cpj.org/2026/06/ethiopian-journalist-salsawit-baynesagn-detained-without-charge/

https://addisstandard.com/cpj-calls-for-release-of-journalist-salsawit-baynesagn-says-detention-without-charge-violates-due-process/

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