An Ethiopian radio and TV chat-show host, Seifu Fantahun was arrested, according to reports.
Seifu will remain in custody for a third night after he was detained yesterday in connection with his report of Tewodros Teshome’s film, Sost Maezen sued for breach of copyright on August 2014. Atinkut Mulugeta claimed Tewodros plagiarized the entire concept of his book, Fikir Sibekel and turned it into a film. The lawsuit demanded 10 million Br in compensation for damage from infringement of intellectual property. Tewodros was later cleared of charges as the judge withdrew the case on a number of grounds, including inconsistencies in evidence and a lack of corroboration.Seifu was accused of biased coverage for an ongoing investigation case.He will appear in court tomorrow.
Though very famous, Seifu’s eventful on-radio and TV appearances have led to a string of embarrassing headlines, listener’s complaints, and clashes with interviewees. Among the celebrities who brought defamation suit against the show host was the model and singer, Sayat Demissie whom he once accused of lip syncing in one of her concerts, a case which was later settled out of court.
(Update: Seifu has been released on 50,000 birr bail and is scheduled to appear in court on July 12.)