Toronto, Canada — The Ethiopian Journalists Association of Canada (EJAC) has strongly condemned the suspension of Wazema Radio’s broadcasting license, warning that the move reflects a worsening crackdown on independent media and freedom of expression in Ethiopia.

In a statement released this week, the Association said it is “deeply concerned” by the escalating pressure exerted on independent journalists and media outlets by Ethiopian regulatory authorities. According to EJAC, the country’s media environment has deteriorated sharply in recent years, a trend documented by multiple international organizations and closely monitored by the Association.

Journalists and private media institutions, the statement noted, have faced systematic harassment, including forced closures, coerced resignations, arbitrary arrests, prolonged detention, torture, and exile. EJAC cited the recent shutdown of Asham TV following repeated pressure, as well as the arbitrary arrest and detention of journalists Yonas Amare, Abdulsameed Mohammed, and Tesfalem Woldeyes, as emblematic of a broader pattern of repression.

Against this backdrop, EJAC said the Ethiopian Media Authority’s decision to suspend Wazema Radio’s license represents “yet another serious blow” to media freedom. The Association rejected the Authority’s allegations of imbalance and ethical violations, describing them as unfounded and disconnected from the realities of Wazema Radio’s journalism.

“The revocation of a broadcasting license is an extreme and disproportionate measure,” the statement said, emphasizing that even when professional errors occur, existing media laws and oversight mechanisms provide less punitive and more appropriate remedies.

EJAC warned that such actions risk further intimidating journalists, deepening fear across the media sector, and undermining efforts to advance democracy, freedom of expression, and human rights in Ethiopia.

The Association called on the Ethiopian Media Authority to immediately reconsider its decision, reinstate Wazema Radio’s broadcasting license, and allow the station to resume operations without undue interference.

The statement was issued by the Board of Directors of the Ethiopian Journalists Association of Canada, reaffirming the group’s commitment to defending independent journalism and press freedom in Ethiopia.