VOA Amharic: Henok Semaegzer should be held accountable

November 18, 2014

by Tedla Asfaw

I read a news under the title “VOA removes Peter Heinlein over misconduct” posted on Ethiopian opposition Websites on Nov. 17, 2014.

The same day opposition radio ESAT interviewed journalist Abebe Gellaw who spearheaded the battle against VOA Amharic coverage by Henok Semaegzer in support of Hailemariam Desalegn counter to his report of Hailemariam Desalegn invitation of last summer by Azusa Pacific University to be turned down due to the public protest on human rights violation by Hailemariam Desalegnled government of Ethiopia.

VOA on its Monday Nov. 17 program did not mention anything about the reason for Peter Heinlein demotion if indeed the opposition media claim is true.

One thing must be clear. There is no policy change on Ethiopia by the Obama Administration. Most likely what has happened is more to do replacing someone who has problem with his coworkers than the accuracy of the news it covers.

VOA Amharic surely will say something about the departure of Peter Heinlein for its listeners. If it really indeed cares about the accuracy of the news coverage VOA Amharic reporter Henok Semaegzer should be held accountable to the program he made that accelerated the downfall of his boss.