Jouralists Jailed For Protecting Sources

Journalists jailed for protecting sources

To jail? Why? That is the question that is asked by many readers who have heard about reporters who have been jailed for concealing their sources. Reporters often do not leak their sources without consent, but how far are they willing to go? In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a newspaper editor, Tamrat Serbesa, was sentenced to a month in prison and another editor, Andualem Ayle, was heavily fined for refusing to reveal the name of a source who criticized a legal ruling in an election. Their stories delt with the Supreme Court's rejection of an appeal to Ethiopia's national electoral board. In a previous election, there was much dispute about political fraud and the public wanted another election, but their cries were not heard. The Ethiopian Supreme court found both men guilty of contempt of court and imposed harsh penalties. Tamrat Serbesa was sentenced to 30 days in jail; while Andualem Ayle was fined 2000 birr (does not specify American currency). They had refused to name an attorney that they had quoted in a story published in late June, saying that the legal decision was "shameful". The New York- based press watchdog Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the Ethiopian court for the intolerance to media criticism. They called for the immediate release of Serbesa and the removal of Ayle's hefty fine. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists director, Ann Cooper, "It sends a chilling signal to the entire Ethiopian press that the court will not tolerate public scrutiny. We call the Ethiopian authorities to release Serbesa immediately and unconditionally". Their stories were publicized and stirred trouble in the US and with the Ethiopian people.

In another similar story, an editor named Tim Crew was sent to jail for refusing to reveal his sources. He was editor of the Sacramento Valley Mirror in Artois, CA He was sentenced to a 5 day