Three New York Times journalist were arrested and detained in the Ogaden region of Ethiopia, reports the Times. The journos were reportedly imprisoned for five days, interrogated at gunpoint and prevented from contacting the American Embassy, despite the fact that no charges were filed against them. After their eventual release, NYT‘ executive editor Bill Keller was quick to thank everyone who helped expedite the end of this ordeal and to lambaste those who failed to cooperate.

“Now we are looking for explanations,” Keller said. “Why were journalists on a legitimate newsgathering assignment arrested, imprisoned for five days, manhandled and threatened? Why were they denied a chance to communicate with the American embassy in Ethiopia, or with civilian officials of the Ethiopian government? Why were we unable to get accurate information about their whereabouts and condition?”

Keller said he hoped his stern words would help get across the message that this type of behavior is not acceptable. If all else fails, however, Jill Abramson has graciously offered to file a massive lawsuit against the entire population of Ethiopia.

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