Ethiopian Journalist Tesfalem_Waldyes named among seven recipients of 2025 IPI-IMS World Press Freedom Hero Award
Ethiomonitor -Addis Ababa
October 13, 2025
The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) have named Ethiopian journalist Tesfalem Waldyes among seven distinguished recipients of the 2025 World Press Freedom Hero award, recognizing his exceptional courage and resilience in defending media freedom.
Tesfalem, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Ethiopia Insider, was honored for his unwavering commitment to independent journalism, despite facing repeated harassment and imprisonment. According to the IPI His career has been marked by multiple arbitrary arrests and detentions, including more than a year in custody in connection with the “Zone 9 bloggers” case. After years in exile, Tesfalem returned to Ethiopia to continue his work amid an increasingly restrictive environment for free media.
Tesfalem’s most recent arrest occurred in June 2025, when he was detained by security forces on Sunday, 8 June, accused by police of “disseminating false information.” He was released after spending several days in detention. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Amnesty International condemned his detention as unlawful and part of a broader pattern of targeting journalists in Ethiopia.
“This honor is not only for me but also for the fellow brave journalists in Ethiopia and in exile,” Tesfalem was quoted saying. “The award is a testament to the courage and integrity of Ethiopian journalists, who face arbitrary arrest, detention, intimidation, harassment, threats, persecution, and violence on an almost daily basis.”
He added that the recognition “embodies the dedication and resilience” of journalists in Ethiopia and expressed hope that it would draw attention to their crucial work and challenges. “It has also inspired me to continue working toward high standards and excellence in journalism,” Tesfalem said.
The 2025 IPI-IMS World Press Freedom Heroes include journalists from Georgia, the United States, Gaza, Peru, Hong Kong, Ukraine, and Ethiopia, all celebrated for their commitment to truth and press freedom under pressure.
