The Case of Birtukan Mideksa

In preparation for the upcoming election in Ethiopia next year, a recent Reuter’s article indicates that hundreds of opposition party members have been rounded up and sent to prison. Indeed, the ruling party’s most viable opponent, Birtukan Mideksa has been in prison since December of 2008. Before her arrest she was hailed as the best possibility to beat the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front or, EPRDF. Now the 36yr old judge and mother appears to be gradually elevating to martyrdom status much the same way Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma has.

Joining RUTV in the studio this week is filmmaker, Chris Flaherty who spent two years researching the tragic events of the last election in Ethiopia. “I tried my best to reveal the circumstances Ethiopians face in Migration of Beauty. The film documents in detail the election in 2005, the murders and intimidation; and draws parallels between the present reality inside the country and how it affects the lives of Ethiopians in the Diaspora” states Chris. Working with a community of US based Ethiopians, the film documents how individuals worked together to try and change the political system and protect civil liberties and human rights in their homeland.

Watch on demand or chat live with Chris tonight, December 10, at 7:30pm (ET) at livestream.com

Read more information about Migration of Beauty: click here

Reporters Uncensored (RUTV) is anchored by journalist and senior advisor to Reporters without Borders, Tala Dowlatshahi and features a team of independent local reporters from around the world. Maura Kelly is the Executive Producer.

For more information, go to reportersuncensored.com.

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Chris Flaherty
SandyBeagle Productions
[email protected]
http://www.migrationofbeauty.com
202-714-8152