The statement indicated that in the last couple of weeks two newspaper media houses including the prominent weekly newspaper Addis Neger have terminated their operations after being frustrated by the distributors. The statement also indicated that newspaper distributors in Ethiopia go even to the extent of forcing publishers and media houses to carry stories acceptable to them (distributors), otherwise they would not distribute the paper.

ENJU accused the vendors of engaging in actions tantamount to a violation of press freedom. “The act by the distributors to attempt to dictate editorial content is also against freedom of expression which has explicitly been provided for in the Ethiopian constitution,” ENJU statement said in part. ENJU has called on the government and other stakeholders to take the necessary measures to ensure the protection of freedom of expression in the country through all means.