Addis Standard editor released after detention as publisher reports newsroom raid

Addis Standard editor-in-chief Yonas Kedir has been released after being detained by security personnel on August 1, 2026, as the publication’s owner reported that its Addis Ababa newsroom was subsequently raided.

Jakenn Publishing PLC said in a statement issued on August 6 that Kedir was held for about 24 hours and questioned about his journalistic work. According to the publisher, interrogators focused on a question he had asked the commander of U.S. Africa Command about Ethiopia’s role in the Sudan conflict and on Addis Standard’s reporting about renewed fighting in Western Tigray.

The claims about the detention, questioning and raid are based on Jakenn’s account and have not been independently confirmed by the authorities named by the company. The Reporter Ethiopia also reported Kedir’s release and the publisher’s allegations.

Jakenn said security personnel searched Kedir’s residence and confiscated personal belongings and work equipment. It also alleged that officials entered its office, removed cameras, audio and video equipment, and damaged studio fixtures. The publisher said it had documented the losses for possible legal proceedings and had been instructed to leave premises it has occupied for 16 years.

The company called on federal and Addis Ababa law-enforcement bodies to disclose the legal basis for the actions and cooperate with an investigation. It also urged judicial institutions to protect due process and constitutional press freedoms.

The incident comes amid a dispute between Jakenn and the Ethiopian Media Authority over Addis Standard’s licence. The publisher has challenged the regulator’s move in court, arguing that the process did not meet due-process requirements. Jakenn also said Addis Standard managing editor Million Beyene was detained in April.