Natnael Feleke
Natnael "Natty" is a blogger and member of the Zone 9 blogging collective. Since 2012, the collective has worked to foster civic engagement and critical commentary about social and political issues in Ethiopia.
On April 25 and 26, 2014 Natty was arrested in Addis Ababa alongside Abel Wabela, Atnaf Berahane, Mahlet Fantahun, Zelalem Kibret, and Befeqadu Hailu (all members of the Zone 9 blogging collective) and journalists Asmamaw Hailegeorgis, Tesfalem Waldyes and Edom Kassaye.
They have since been held in Maekelawi detention center with no access to legal counsel. They have not been allowed to see their families.
No formal charges have been filed against the bloggers and journalists so far.
During a visit to Adis Ababa on May 1, 2014, US Secretary of State, John Kerry told a press conference that his government was concerned about the crackdown and remembered meeting Natnael in Adis Ababa during a visit a year early.
On May 3, 2014 — World Press Freedom Day — Global Voices issued a statement calling for the release of the nine men and women: "We are outraged by this flagrant violation of our friends’ rights to free expression and deeply concerned for their safety. We cannot remain silent."
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