By Courtney C. Radsch, CPJ Advocacy Director
In the past two days Ethiopia released six journalists from prison, an unprecedented development in one of Africa's most repressive countries for the media. The releases happened in advance of President Obama's trip to Ethiopia later this month, which we can't help but feel played a role (along with serious public pressure!) in their release. So, the Committee to Protect Journalists has the following recommendations for countries that should be on his itinerary:
Eritrea: Obama should just hop up to Ethiopia's neighbor in the north, which is the most censored country in the world and the leading jailer of journalists on the continent. Obama should call on President Isaias Afewerki to release the 23 journalists behind bars.
Vietnam: Now that Obama got his TPP authority, he should go to Hanoi to insist that the 16 journalists behind bars be released before getting any trade benefits. On his way he can wear a #PressUncuffed bracelet featuring Ta Phong Tan, the country's first independent blogger, who has been in prison more than 1,400 days.
Azerbaijan: This energy-rich, corruption-infused dictatorship is the leading jailer of journalists in Europe, holding nine, including Khadija Ismaylova, who works for U.S.-backed RFE/RL.
Egypt: Things have only gone from bad to worse under President el-Sisi, with at least 18 journalists jailed as of June 1 and a string of terrorist attacks that have provided a pretext for clamping down on criticism and coverage. The Egyptian government promised CPJ we could meet with imprisoned journalist Shawkan and others, but we would be happy to let Obama go in our place.
Myanmar: Despite the reported democratic transition, a journalist was killed in military custody last year, and no one has been held responsible. Obama should reprise last year's trip and visit the 10 journalists jailed there, not just opposition leaders.