Ethiopia: Confusion over new communication legislation.
Ethiopia: Confusion over new communication legislation.
By The Africa Report
Ethiopia has passed new legislation that will make the use of Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) like Skype and Google Talk illegal and punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
The new legislation is not yet in force, but threatens freedom of communication in a country where the government monitors the only telecommunications firm.
State owned Ethio-Telecom, proposed the new law, which was endorsed a few weeks ago, as the country claims to be dealing with external security threats.
The new legislation had for a while escaped local and international attention, but a furore is building in and outside the country.
"If the government starts to control all these activities, this is really a violation of people's rights to freedom of speech and expression," said Tesema Molla, who was using Skype in one internet café in Addis Ababa.
The new law might also affect internet cafe owners, who were reporting brisk business thanks to Skype and other VOIP sites.
"People are using all these technologies in my internet cafe. I am not aware about the new legislation," said Misrak Belay, an internet café owner in the city.
She said she and other internet owners have not yet been informed about the illegality of the service.
"We are really confused what to do. If they start to come and ask me why I am doing it, it is really a serious problem, which will force me to close my business," said Belay.
According to the new legislation, a one minute call using Skype in Ethiopia can land you a 15-year prison sentence or a huge fine.
The law also gives the government the right to inspect any imported of voice communication equipment as well as the power to ban any inbound packages that do not have prior permission from the state.
A number of sites are blocked in Ethiopia, as the government fears these are used by opposition members and human rights organisation.
The government also jams several radio stations such as the VOA's Amharic programme, which had become a source of alternative news for many.
Ethiopia accuses the VOA Amharic programme of aggravating and inciting violence, especially after the 2005 election, where about 200 people were killed.
The new legislation is seen as a continuation of government's plan to stifle access to information.
Ethio-Telecom declined to comment on the new legislation.
As,ck waxaan jeclaani lahaa in fadhi kudirir ka laga daayo webka waxaanan kacodsanayaa maamulka ogadentoday in ay ka xiraan coments ka waayo meeshii fadhi ku dirir ayey isu bedeshey
mustafe
11/06/2013 03:19
soomaaliyeey isku kacaay oo isku seexda
abdi baasuuke
08/06/2013 17:14
it seems that Somalia is heading back to 1991 the bloody civil war I think people have mistaken of electing xasan culusow gurguurte a man who always smiles with or with out a reason but behind the smi
godey gacalo
08/06/2013 05:58
There are a lot of GOOD people in this world who are trying to clean things up. But unfortunately, there are still some who would prefer to just keep ROLLING IN THE DIRT
Kismaayo
04/06/2013 09:40
War deg deg Ah - bare HIIRAALE. oo u geeriyoodey. dhaawac bam oo caawa lagu turey gurigiisa
samira
02/06/2013 07:40
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Goora Qubi
26/05/2013 10:01
Fikir ahaan
waxaa baryahan soo badanaya hadal haynta aan anigu karhay oon jeclahay bataatanba in lajoojiyo waxaan ogsoonahay in ay dhamaatay sheekadii al itixaad taasoo dad badan ilaa hada hadal haya
Goora Qubi
26/05/2013 09:57
Fikir ahaan
waxaa baryahan soo badanaya hadal haynta aan anigu karhay oon jeclahay bataatanba in lajoojiyo waxaan ogsoonahay in ay dhamaatay sheekadii al itixaad taasoo dad badan ilaa hada hadal ha
waxaan idinku hambalyeynayaa sida habsamida leh ee akhbaaraad caalamka iyo midda aniga aan aad u daneeynayo ee ogaden aad noogu soo tabisaan well done guys
onlf will Go to ICC
28/04/2013 16:51
Ogaden Land is the land situates Southeast of Ethiopia , no matter what western people believe that there are strategic aims which they are seeking to invade our territory.
Ethiopia is our land and
cartedsiudnw
28/04/2013 15:52
Il a ete reanime par le cuisinier du college, Le president cubain Raul Castro a ete reelu dimanche a la presidence du Conseil dEtat, La famille du champion handisport explique que le compte twitter
