Ethiopia suspends TV affiliated to Orthodox church

The media regulator said it temporarily banned the Mahibere Kidusan TV after it broadcast a message on Sunday that could trigger violence.

In Summary

• The Orthodox church faced a split in February after three archbishops announced the formation of a new synod and ordained over 20 bishops drawn from the Oromia Region and the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' State.

Ethiopia’s Orthodox Church has the largest religious denomination in the country
Ethiopia’s Orthodox Church has the largest religious denomination in the country
Image: FILE

The Ethiopian Media Authority (EMA) has banned a TV station affiliated to the country's Orthodox church after accusing it of broadcasting inciteful content.

The media regulator said it temporarily banned the Mahibere Kidusan TV after it broadcast a message on Sunday that could trigger violence, state-owned Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) reported.

The Orthodox church faced a split in February after three archbishops announced the formation of a new synod and ordained over 20 bishops drawn from the Oromia Region and the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' State.

The move triggered deadly clashes that only ended after the two rival leadership factions were reconciled through mediation involving Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

The church's holy synod is currently holding its annual conference in the capital Addis Ababa.

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