Atsede C.

University Professor and Media Founder Arrested in Mekelle as Political Space in #Tigray Continues to Narrow Shewit Gebreegziabher, also known as Shewit Wudassie, a university professor and founder of a recently launched online media outlet, has been arbitrarily arrested in #Mekelle, raising renewed concerns about the shrinking political and media space in Tigray. According to reports, security personnel allegedly acting under orders from the TPLF-led administration detained Shewit from a hotel in Mekelle while dressed in civilian clothing and without presenting a court warrant. Shewit recently launched an online media platform, Romanat Online, named after Romanat Square, a well-known public square in Mekelle, the capital of Tigray. Observers say the arrest comes amid growing tensions between the authorities and critics, including opposition figures and independent media voices. In recent months, the TPLF political–military leadership has repeatedly signaled what it calls a “zero-tolerance” approach toward critics and opposition figures. The phrase was first publicly mentioned last year by TPLF Party Secretariat Head FetleWork Gebregziabher during a meeting with media professionals and journalists, where she warned against what the leadership described as hostile or critical media activity. Concerns about tightening control over the media have also grown following a recent decision at Tigray Television, the region’s state broadcaster. Last week, a TPLF Party Secretariat cadre was appointed as its director, a move critics say is intended to consolidate political control over the remaining media space in the region. The arrest of Shewit has drawn condemnation from Salsay Weyane Tigray, the political party of which he is a member. In a statement, the party described the detention as unlawful and called for his immediate release, urging human rights organizations to follow the case closely and exert pressure to ensure due process. Scholars, activists, and political figures have also called for Shewit’s release, warning that political space in Tigray is increasingly narrowing. Many observers say the atmosphere of political tension and fear is contributing to a growing trend in which young people are increasingly deserting the region, citing concerns about repression and the potential for renewed conflict.

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