Ethiopian journalists suspended over doctored Prime Minister's photo

Two journalists in Ethiopia have been suspended by the state-owned news agency for publishing a photoshopped image of the prime minister and his wife in a bedroom.

The doctored image shows Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed lying on the floor covered with a duvet, while his wife, Zinash Tayachew, is on a nearby bed smiling.

The image has been trending on social media in Ethiopia since it was published on Monday in an article about the timetable for elections - expected in August.

The Ethiopian Press Agency pulled down the picture immediately and apologised.

Since coming to office in 2018, Mr Abiy has instituted wide-ranging political and economic reforms, including the freeing of political prisoners and opening up of the media.

But some activists and individuals have exploited the new-found freedoms to fan ethnic tensions and spread fake news targeting Mr Abiy’s government.

This has led the government to enact new laws to tackle fake news and incitement.