Ethiopia suspends leading independent newspaper The Reporter

Ethiopian authorities on Monday indefinitely suspended the license of the reporter, a leading independent print and online newspaper. The Ethiopian media authorities said the outlet was barred from publication and broadcasting for repeatedly disseminating content that contradicts Ethiopia's national interests. It accused the media of publishing distorted information that negatively affects foreign investment, tourism and diplomacy, and of carrying unbalanced and biased reports. In a statement on Facebook, the authorities said the newspaper was suspended until legal and professional ethical obligations are fully met. The Reporter is one of Ethiopia's few independent media outlets. It publishes newspapers in English and Amharic and operates an online news site. In February, Ethiopia revoked the license of another independent outlet, Adi Standard, which has appealed the decision. Ethiopia ranks 148th out of 180 in the Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders.