Eskinder Nega is a well-known Ethiopian journalist and political activist. He was born on 13 April 1966 in the city of Gondar, Ethiopia. Throughout his career, Nega has been a vocal advocate for press freedom, democracy, and human rights in Ethiopia, despite facing significant opposition and persecution from the government.
Nega began his career as a journalist in the 1990s, working for various publications, including the now-defunct weekly newspaper “Menelik.” He was also the publisher of “Satenaw,” an online news outlet critical of the Ethiopian government. Nega has been arrested and imprisoned several times throughout his career for his outspoken views and activism.
In 2011, Nega was arrested and charged with terrorism for criticizing the Ethiopian government’s treatment of opposition groups and journalists. He was subsequently sentenced to 18 years in prison, a decision that was widely criticized by international human rights groups and media organizations.
After serving more than seven years of his sentence, Nega was released in February 2018, following the election of a new government led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Since his release, Nega has continued to be an advocate for press freedom and democracy in Ethiopia, frequently speaking out against government censorship and repression.
Nega has received numerous international awards and recognition for his work, including the PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award and the Hellman/Hammett grant for persecuted writers. Despite facing significant personal risk, Nega remains a vocal critic of government oppression in Ethiopia and a champion for free speech and democracy.
