He appeared before the Addis Ababa City Administration Court on April 17, where the court granted his release on bail set at 10,000 birr.
During the hearing, police stated that Abebe was detained for allegedly filming and photographing government officials and premises in the sub-city without prior authorization or presenting valid press credentials.
Authorities claimed his actions were deemed suspicious and potentially inciting, and requested a 14-day extension to conduct further investigations, citing concerns that he might tamper with evidence or evade justice if released.
In response, Abebe’s legal counsel argued that while the journalist did not carry his credentials at the time, he had verbally identified himself as a reporter and that his employment could easily be verified with his media organization.
The lawyer emphasized that Abebe was in the area to cover a story involving public grievances and that the report was still in preparation and had not been published.
Abebe himself told the court he had neither recorded video nor audio and that his presence in the area was strictly for journalistic purposes. He further invoked protections under Ethiopia’s Media Proclamation No. 1238/2013, asserting that his detention was unlawful and that his right to bail should be upheld.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court ruled in favor of bail, ordering his release under the condition of a 10,000 birr bond.