December 20, 2011 (ADDIS ABABA) - An exiled Muslim organisation, Badar Ethiopia, has called on Ethiopian authorities to immediately release jailed Muslim journalists who published a local magazine on the affairs of country’s Muslims.

According to some Ethiopian opposition websites, the three journalists Ahmed Din Jebel, Akmel Negash, and Ishaq Eshetu were arrested on 16 December.

The monthly Ye Moslimoch Gudai publication is considered as the foremost voice of Muslim society in the dominantly Christian Ethiopia.

The magazine is known for publishing critical analysis of the conditions of Muslims in Ethiopia.

There is no any confirmation from government officials over the alleged arrests or why if made but the US based organization, Badar said the arrests is politically motivated.

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the recent unjustifiable and politically motivated arrest of three individuals who have contributed immensely to the welfare and the education of their communities in Ethiopia” the group said further urging on their immediate release.

The group condemned Ethiopia’s tight press regulations and what it said was the tactic of creating a climate of fear and attempts of silencing critical journalists who peacefully oppose religious policies.

Reporters Without Borders ranked Ethiopia 139 out of 178 countries in terms of press freedom in 2010.

It appealed to the Ethiopian government to respect and practice the democratic and constitutional rights of the Muslims and their freedom of speech.

The group also said Badr’s legal representative in Addis Ababa is closely following the case along with two board members.

Muslims in Ethiopia represent an estimated 33.9% of a population of 81 million.

Ethiopian Muslims and Christians have lived side by side in harmony respecting each other’s religion for the centuries. Ethiopian activists and intellectuals argue that the country could be taken as a symbol of religious tolerance.

(ST)