Kenyan journalist Yassin Juma tests positive for Coronavirus

Yassin Juma, a Kenyan journalist whose detention in Ethiopia sparked online uproar has tested positive for Covid-19.

This is according to a statement by his lawyer Kedir Bullo who confirmed the reports on Thursday, August 13.

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Mr Yasin is believed to have contracted the virus while at Sostegna Police station where he was being held.

Kenyan journalist Yassin Juma being held up in Ethiopia

This comes just after a court granted him bail last week after the police failed to produce evidence on any crimes committed; even though his lawyers claim he is yet to be released.

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The former NTV journalist was arrested in July following protests over the assassination of popular singer Hachalu Hundesa which had caused more that 80 deaths.

Former NTV journalist, Yassin Juma

Juma had been alleged to be working for an opposition leader in the country at the time of his arrest.

Mr Yassin alongside two Ethiopian journalists were charged with inciting ethnic violence and plotting to kill senior Ethiopian officials.

Charges they pleaded not guilty to.

About this writer:

Gloria Katunge