Ethiopian police release detained Reuters cameraman without charge
Middle East & Africa
Reuters Staff
NAIROBI (Reuters) - Ethiopian police released Reuters cameraman Kumerra Gemechu on Tuesday after detaining him without charge for 12 days.
Reuters cameraman Kumerra Gemechu arrives to cover a breaking news assignment in Bishoftu, Ethiopia March 10, 2019. Family Album/via REUTERS
Police had told his lawyer Melkamu Ogo that their lines of inquiry included accusations of disseminating false information, communicating with groups fighting the government, and disturbing the public’s peace and security. However, Ogo said he had seen no evidence.
“We are delighted that Kumerra has been released and reunited with his family. His release today affirms he has done nothing wrong,” Reuters Editor-in-Chief Stephen J. Adler said in a statement.