Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald)
TBS camera crew arrested in Axum while reporting on local governance complaints
Two camera crew members from TBS, were detained by police today morning in Axum while filming a report on alleged governance concerns raised by local businesses, the broadcaster said.
According to a statement from TBS, the journalists were filming in Axum’s commercial district when authorities intervened and detained them without providing clear reasons. The crew was reportedly covering issues including bureaucratic hurdles, allegations of corruption, and challenges faced by small business owners in the area.
As of now, local police have not issued an official statement regarding the arrest. TBS has called for the immediate release of its staff and urged local authorities to respect press freedoms, especially during what it described as a critical period of regional reconstruction and reconciliation.
Media watchdogs and journalist associations have expressed concern over the arrest, warning that press suppression could hinder transparency and accountability in the region.
This incident comes amid growing scrutiny of governance and service delivery in parts of the Tigray region following the cessation of conflict.
TBS condemned the detentions, describing them as part of what it called “anti-democratic culture” taking hold in Tigray. The station called for the immediate release of its employees.
Our attempt to get comments from the city police was unsuccessful.
More updates are expected as the situation develops.
