Three Ethiopian journalists abducted while investigating alleged illegal gold mining in northwestern Tigray have been released, a colleague confirmed on Sunday.
The journalists, who remain unnamed, were working for Tigrai Television in the Asgede district when they were kidnapped by unidentified individuals under unclear circumstances. Hours later, Abel Tsgabu, a journalist at the broadcaster, confirmed their release, stating that the men were fine but providing no further details.
The reporters had been investigating the environmental, health, and social consequences of unregulated gold mining in the region after residents raised concerns.
Tigrai TV condemned the kidnapping as a direct attack on press freedom in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
Tigray, still recovering from a devastating two-year conflict that ended in 2022, faces significant challenges, including infrastructure damage, displacement, and economic exploitation. The war, which involved Ethiopian government forces, regional militias, and Eritrean troops, claimed an estimated 600,000 lives and displaced over a million people.
Ethiopia ranked 141st globally in press freedom in 2024, according to Reporters Without Borders, underscoring the precarious environment journalists face in the country.
