May 23, 2006 - It appears that Ethiopia's government may have learnt
something from the Chinese when it comes to censoring the Internet, with
Reporters Without Borders questioning the inaccessibility of several
websites critical of the government.
RSF contacted the country's information and culture minister after the sites
became inaccessible on May 17.
RSF believes, although a technical problem may be to blame, that the
government is probably enacting political censorship.
Several prominent political blogs have also been blocked says RSF.
Ethiopia has a poor freedom of speech record. The country arrested 15
newspaper editors last year on treason charges, which is generally a sign
that a government is trying to silence unwanted press.
According to RSF, there are 21 imprisoned journalists in Ethiopia, the
highest in Africa.
Ethiopia has been campaigning for economic growth, but restrictions on media
freedom are likely to act against this, which shows a lack of foresight on
behalf of the government.
China actively blocks users in China from accessing websites that contravene
strict censorship laws.
http://www.businessinafrica.net/news/east_africa/409411.htm
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