15/ “Importer” means any person who imports mass media products from abroad with a
view to distribute them in Ethiopia or who is an agent of foreign publications circulated in
Ethiopia.
16/ “Ombudsman” means the Institution of the
Ombudsman established under Proclamation No. 211/2000.
17/ “Region” mean a regional state established under Article 47 of the Constitution of the
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. and shall ,for the purpose of this Proclamation
,include Addis Abeba and Diredawa
18/ “Public Relation Officer” mean a public relation officer or any other officer designated by
the public body for the purpose of caring out the tasks of a public relation officer under this
Proclamation.
19/ “Person” mean a physical or juridical person.
3. Gender Reference
Unless otherwise expressly provided under this Proclamation provisions referred in the
masculine gender shall also apply to the feminine gender.
4. Freedom of Mass Media
1/ Freedom of the mass media is constitutionally guaranteed. Censorship in any form is
prohibited.
2/Restrictions on the freedom of the mass media shall only be made by laws issued in
accordance with the Constitution.
3/ All public bodies shall have regard to the right of the mass media, in fulfilling its public
function, to:
a) seek, receive and impart news or information;
b) express opinion or criticism on various issues or;
c) participate in the process of forming public opinion through other means.
4/Unless otherwise stipulated by express provisions of laws enacted in accordance with sub
article (2) of this Article, administrative measures that impair freedom of the mass media are
forbidden.