Regarding Mehdi Hasan’s Interview with Getachew Reda
I want to begin by saying that I have always admired Mehdi Hasan. His interviews are usually sharp, well-researched, and grounded in verifiable facts. He is known for his deep understanding of global political dynamics and for his ability to navigate complex issues—Ethiopia included—with fairness and precision.
But in this particular interview, Mehdi fell short. In fact, he missed the mark by a wide margin.
Mehdi Hasan’s recent interview with Getachew Reda revealed a surprising level of one-sidedness. Rather than facilitating a balanced, fact-driven discussion, the interview appeared more focused on criticizing the Ethiopian Prime Minister. Instead of pressing Getachew Reda with tough questions, demanding evidence, or challenging sweeping claims, Mehdi allowed the conversation to simply echo against the prime minister. What should have been a rigorous exchange became an open platform for unverified allegations and politically motivated narratives.
A journalist’s responsibility is to probe, verify, and provide context—especially when dealing with sensitive national issues. In this interview, that essential scrutiny was absent. Serious accusations were presented by him without any request for proof, without counter-perspectives, and without acknowledging the broader realities Ethiopia is facing today.
When an interview is shaped by bias or guided by a predetermined storyline, it stops informing the public. Instead, it misleads. In this case, the narrative was not about understanding Ethiopia’s challenges—it was about targeting the Prime Minister through rumors, distortions, and recycled rhetoric.
Ethiopia deserves journalism that enlightens rather than inflames, journalism grounded in truth rather than agenda. Balanced reporting is not a luxury—it is fundamental.
If Mehdi Hasan wants to uphold the journalistic credibility he is known for, the least he can do is either apologize for conducting such a one-sided interview.
When a journalist of his caliber amplifies serious allegations without demanding verification, it misleads audiences and distorts the truth. Ethiopia deserves fair reporting, not interviews that elevate accusations without scrutiny.
If Mehdi truly believes the claims he allowed on his platform, then he should provide the verified facts behind them. If he cannot, then professionalism requires that he acknowledge this lapse and apologize for contributing to misinformation and unnecessary political tension.
Balanced journalism is not optional—it is a responsibility.
@mehdirhasan.
correction
colonel demeke was not head amhara special force rather man of wolkayt identity
western tigray is tplf colonial name /annexation https://t.co/o24gsLGEff the place had fallen under tplf for decades.
The sesame fields of Western #Tigray now fall under the area controlled by Colonel Demeke Zewdu, who was head of the #Amhara special forces during the war, and his right-hand man Ashete Demlew, who administer the area with an iron fist. https://t.co/wjfpzMvpT9
The Amharas of Raya Alemata are overwhelming majority
"We are Amharas", they declared!
They have also demanded TPLF Tigray & its separatist armed forces to vacate their schools & towns within 24hrs or will fight for their freedom &country. @USEmbassyAddis
[Update July 31/23] Amhara Media Center: OLA militants backed by Oromia region officials killed a farmer, injured another & abducted 25 civilians for their Amhara identity in Goha-Tsion (Were-Jarso woreda, North Shewa zone, Oromia region Ethiopia).
#AmharaGenocide#WarOnAmhara