Today, for the 28th time, the Ethiopian High Court adjourned the trial of Zone 9 Bloggers or the Zone9ers.
On April 24, 2014, ten Zone9ers were arrested for charges of inciting public disorder via social media” and “receiving support from a foreign government.”. Zone 9 blog covers political and social issues in Ethiopia, including human rights and freedom of expression. Human Rights Watch suggested that the arrest was politically motivated.
On July 8, 2015, five Zone9ers were freed. with all charges dropped. However, four bloggers still remain behind bars and the Global Freedom of Expression @ Columbia will continue to monitor this important case.