Journalist Yassin Juma Released From Prison

Things are looking right at last for journalist Juma who has been in police detention in Ethiopia for over 50 days.

“Kenya Embassy in Ethiopia has managed to assist Collins Juma Osemo alias Yassin Juma, Kenyan journalist arrested in Ethiopia, to move to government manage isolation facility after he tested positive to COVID-19 at Sostegna police station where he was held until yesterday.” Ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement.

Yassin recently penned a painful letter where he detailed the devastating conditions he was going through at the police station where he was being held having contracted COVID-19.

He had previously been set free by two courts and even the Ethiopia’s Attorney General ordered for his release. Despite the efforts, it was unheard why the government didn’t move with speed to facilitate his repatriation.

The statement issued by the ministry is however unclear as to whether Yassin has been freed or just given privilege to be isolated at the Ethiopia’s Covid isolation center to recover. Only time will tell, ideally, they would’ve facilitated his travel home and isolation at a facility in the country.