AFP, June 25, 2007 (ADDIS ABABA) — Ethiopian opposition leaders convicted after violent protests in the wake of contested 2005 elections have admitted their “mistakes,” their lawyer said Sunday.
The lawyer said the thirty-eight accused, convicted by the High Court on June 11 for violating the constitution and trying to launch a rebellion, had signed a document to accept responsibility for the violence — a move that could prompt their release.
“All the convicted 38 have agreed and signed a document accepting responsibility over the post-election violence. They have acknowledged to have made mistakes at that time,” lawyer Wondawuk Ayele told AFP.B
But the spokesman for Prime Minister Meles Zenawi on Sunday denied that a deal had been struck for the activists’ release.
“So far there hasn’t been any proposal from the government, nor has there been any mediation involving any other country,” Bereket Simon said.
“I’m not aware of any developments regarding their release,” Bereket added.
36 thoughts on “Bereket Simon denied any agreement regarding the release of Kinijit leaders”
Since when do you begin to trust Bereket Simon. Pathetic liar of the last Ethiopian Millenium.We hope not to see another lie again.
You guys are trying to complicate things that we should wait and see……silence from our side ,hope, would do good for the people in the jail.
We are all without the pain of staying in jail..please do not be causes for unanticipated complication.You never know how the poleticians could use their thermometer to measure the temprature in the puplic.
Why do not you keep quite and see..!
To release or not to release. That is the question. It seems like a cat playing with a mouse. Even if they are released they may only be made to advance and strengthen the dictatorial power of the TPLF even more than before and thus act as negetaive catalist of any democracy and good governance.
Their situation can also be manipulated for effectively dividing and weakening all the incipient unity of the opposition inorder to strengthen TPLF dictatorship. These Qalitti people may not stand even a slight of pressure being encountered along the road to national salvation. Why did they enter the struggle then, if they have to surrender 101% at the first sight a small punch in the forehead?
Mandella defiantly sat in a horrible facist jail isolated from family and community for close to 30 odd years, playing a super hero role model and finally came out vibrant and victorious both individually and collectively.
Uncommitted or half hearted people dreaming of personal good life cannot endure even a fly’s overhead buzzing. How can they they distort truth and factual reality, signing completely fake and artifial one sided incriminating document just for the sake of walking out of the jail?
What would the dead, the wounded, the traumatized, the displaced, the expelled refugees, and their families and reletives feel and think? That everthing they have done and sttod fore is based on faulsehood and completely fake agitations from these leaders who they trusted and and acted? God forbid! Hmm…
I am getting confused guys. i read article which confirms that our leaders took the responsibility for the violence,( While the violence orkestrated by Meles and the killings bij Agazi) all of them signed and now Bereket says no deal is reached with the government. How can a human being beleive TPLF/EPRDF- they are street criminals you can never make a deal with them. we need to be catious. I hope these innocent leaders of ours can join their family but even if they are free- i expect to see another difficulties infront of us. Would they be ready to return addis to the chosen Mayor Berhanu Nega? Would they part of these symbolic parlament? How are we going further? What is the deal?
he is trying to show to theEthiopian people that we are not the one who proposed the deal it is them sort of thing
Hagos
cud must learn from your mistake..Respect the constitution
Bereket Simon,
He has stolen the Bugna people voice while he starved them to death for the last 16 years. Ask him what he did to the people he is stolen their seat in the parliament? Watch the Video which is at ER filmed about three four years a go how the Bugna people are living under Bereket and the TPLF as the rest of the people in the region are.
16 years a go TPLF, Shaba and OLF with Sudan support reached AA. On the way they killed many people mainly in Gojjam and destroyed properties including the Airport in Bahri dar. After 16 years in power and among the many development activities , there are also about 10 Airfields have been built in Tigry, the damaged terminal by TPLF and ally at Bahir dar airport is still not repaired at all. Yet this criminal Bereket Simon and destitute Tefera walwa and the likes are treading for Tigry in the name of the people they say are representing. Ask them what they did to the region something significant while TPLF and others are doing lots to their region created by TPLF and OLF?
Bereket is the worst and most hated creature in Ethiopia today along side the so called the Amhara region president who is a 100% fool and primitive and a sheep, servant and guard to wayne and a disaster and enemy to the people he says representing them to affect them in many ways).
Dear Elias
It appeared that your site wants to give the news about the possible release of the CUD leadersa a low profile. Naturally, you were giving your own comments for news of this importance. But there was none. You have now posted Bereket’s denial of the arrangements made between the government and the CUD leaders. I saw a similar content in Aigaforum. Is it a coincidence? You have been writing a lot about the problem within KIL. Please pick some positive news and have a sense of positive thinking. I hope you will be extremly happy and celebrate the occassion when our heroes are released.
Regards,
In the minds of most TPLF/EPLF members there is a spam guard against any noble ideas which benefits the entire Ethiopia and its people.How do you expect Bereket can know this unless he lifts the spam guard?
I am sure that the CUD leaders did not contribute any thing for the pro election violence.It was backed by EPRDF itself on a purpose in order to imprison the CUD members and to culminate the move to democratic rights.How do they agree to sign the document?I do not think?Can you prove this,please?
Oh Guys are you sure this man is normal?I dont think so he has a very serious mental disorder let’s pray for him not to through himself from the stair because of the failer of his ER mission
Forget about Bereket, who could be blind and lame for the people of Ethiopia, let’s pray and be strongly unite for the future of Ethiopia even after our leaders come out of Kality. It is really a great news to hear about the release of our patriotic leaders who gave themselves for the welbeing of the people. Had it been like some “Hodam” authorities, the way to esacape from being imprisoned was enormus.
Shame for Lidetu above all the staburn EPRDF guys.
One United and prosperous Ethiopia with the Love and sincere work of Her children.
There was NO negotiation at all on the side of the Ethio govt. It was your “heroes” who are asking for a pardon through Prof Ephrem. And according to the constitution, any convicted person can ask for a pardon. And again, according to the constitution, the president has got the authority to make a pardon. That is it. Nothing much nothing less.
The constitution, which was “hige arawit” as quoted once by Prof. Mesfin, will know pardon him.
Here we go as usual, the man with out a brain speaks out….He knows nothing, and even he doesn’t know what he is doing in the Governemnt. Dead brain
Thanks for the update. I urge all compatriots to keep their comments close to their chest until we know for sure that 1) the leaders are released and 2) what the terms and conditions of their release are.
lates just wait & see
Dear casanova,
I expect that from you (EPLF’s hand maid).I already said it above.How dare a normal person think your stubborn mind will change?There is no way.Your mind has no space to entertain good ideas.It is well known allover the world.You are not ready to learn a lesson even if you are no more in the bush.I wish you start to think like a human being.
I am sure they will be releaes because of the informations we have from pro-EPRDF and Anti EPRDF news outlets. What surprises me the way ER-Elias acts. Elias ” You have done something, but be realistic”. I think you are EPRDF employe to mislead the public in a dangerous and usless direction. What kind of democracy is you vision. Again like Woyane to fight in jungle. Done forget that Americans democracy isnot at full swing. When were “Black Americans equal with the white”. Dont you think it took them more thana century. Democracy is process with a slow or fast process.
I cannot imagine ER being a propaganda outlet in Eth. YOu will cause more harm tha Berket.
Here is another alias for Bereket: Casanova.
Bekeket is for sure a mere street smart, whose mouth can only utter filth. It is impossible to make anything sensible from his garbage talk. One might wonder why he is assigned as a special advisor to Zenawi in public relations, but that sys all what they are – filth talking garbages. It is a curse to be ruled by such a group of untamed vagabonds.
Dear All,
It is time for the EPRDF gov’t and supporters to think of what imprisoning highly supported CUD leaders mean.It has to know majority of Ethiopian people are beside them.Ther must be no question that the people need change.The people do no more allow one ethnic monopolization in all sectors i.e economic,political,social etc.The people need unity than dis integrity.The people want be free to live,work,invest,learn etc without Woyannawi criteria wherever in the country.That is why the people of Ethiopia in mass against EPRDF’s gov’t.Since the people mean CUD and CUD mean the people EPRDF is facing several challenges which it unable to solve but still trying to opt out from these crises.EPRDF is not in a position to detect why majority of Ethiopian people are against them rather ignoring the peoples power and vest its trust on its gun, it is still reacting ignorantly against the peoples’ interest.I compare the derg regime with them.For the down fall of derg was lack of support of the people.It is the same for EPRDF.These days EPRDF is losing its supporters.This means it will soon lose power. Please your calculation to stay in power no more works.Think twice.Do not throw any stupid word against the people.This is time for recouncillation.I wish you EPRDF gov’t and supporters remove the spam gard from your mind and be flexable.I wish you all the best.
Ron River,
The difference between Mandela and CUD leaders can be many. CUD leaders are peacful activists but Mandela after lost hopes in the peacful struggle he went to military training and ANC started the military option. You can read his own biography, Long walk for freedom. Another different is that, CUDs are eleceted representatives, with my respect to him, he wasn’t elected before he has been thrown to Roben Islands. It was after he came out from prision he got a chance to be elected.So Mr river, by confusing your self don’t try to conguse us. Zemeta
It is time that the nosy Diaspora keep its mouth shut. Those ranting and raving guys did noting for release of prisoners in the last 2 years. We haven’t seen you going on hunger strike or make a sustained protest. You pushed 70 year old people in to prison to get to your 9-5 work and comfortable bed. You have nothing to do with this negotation and should remain outside it. My final work is KEEP your MOUTH SHUT!!! For you these people are a political football that you want to score silly points and you do not give a dam for the people who are suffering.
CUD will vanish in jail.and it is unthinkable that EPRDF will be defeated…but u will not also stop barking..u teethless dog..u will have one century left
CUD leaders are brave. They have been struggling to build democratic Ethiopia. In any world history, Victory is for the leaders who respect the peoples’ interest and who are willing to work with them. Dictators do not last long. Dictators who degrade and disrespect peoples’ voice never in the history win. We Ethiopian, WITH UNITY WE FIGHT THOSE MURDERERS/EPRDF/!!!! VICTORY FOR ETHIOPIAN PEOPLE!!!!
IN UNITED WE STAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Surprising,
I was very exited as I first misunderstood the topic of the article. I thought it was written like ‘Bereket dies’.
I wish that happened to him soon.
Zemeta,
Well, if you are satisfied with the ways and manners that the TPLF is trying to manipulate and use the jailed leaders in its own favour that is ok with you but not ok with me, not ok with the dead young people, their parents, sisters, brothers, relatives,not ok with all those Ethiopian people who have been internally and externally displaced and made hopless refugees.
I strongly support their freedom because they shouldn’t have been arrested even to begin with. But I do not accept that they faulsely accept responsibilities for themselves and for all those who participated in the demonistrations and totally mishandled by the TPLF. It must be the TPLF who must appologize for all the crimes. What about if the TPLF uses their confessions against them as living eveidences and willfully excutes them instead of letting them go free as promised?
What about if the TPLF releases them temporarily, rearresting after a while and excute them against the confession evidences. These are evidences which the TPLF have always been lacking in order to excute or jail them for long. Now it has everything in place and they have no where to hide.
Principled persistance and staying within the bounds of truth is not a matter of being elected or not elected. It is a matter character, determination and morality standard. I can tell you the fact that there are lots of down right corrupt and dishonest and immoral so called elected leaders the world over.
Have a nice time!
Election alone is not such a holy criteria of morality and humanity. Lots of political elections are in fact just sham manipulations. Doesn’t the TPLF and Saddam’s aprties also conduct periodic elections?
GTRM
Yishak
And all sympathizers of Kinjit/all type of Kinjit, Kil 1, Kill 2, Killl 3, Killll 4…..Killlll…77 million until one of them takes the power/
Can anybody tell who is working with EPLF? Me or AFD?
Anyways, majority of Ethiopians leaving in Ethiopia have ignored the group in Kality for the last couple of years. They were expecting the ferngis to save them. But again they were ignored by the ferngis. Our Prime Minster, His excellency, Meles Zenawi has told them before”…ferngim bihon ayadinachewim” They had also hope from few diaspora. And again the few diaspora are busy fighting among themselves. That is why they are asking for pardon know.
Anyways, your heroes will be out of jail very soon. Most of them are going to retire totally from politics, some specifically from the bad spirit of Kinjit, and the remaining few will come to US and join the endless battle b/n individuals like Andargachew and Shaleqa.
But again, back in Emiye Ethiopia, the Woeyanes will continue the battle against poverty.
Long Leave Woeyane!
Just for Casanova.
May ur name carry the meaning of slayer.
I definetely know about u ,you are like a man ,but with no freedom.If u do not have freedom u became animal.U need gardian who take care of u .
U and ur Party “TPLF” do not know the value of freedom and U are living in the dark carring the most murky and malicious mind.
As long as TPLF led regim do not allow my freedom ,which I got from GOD,the party by itself live in the world of no freedom.The problem is, TPLF do not know what freedom is.
Whether TPLF likes or not our leaders will get out of that shame Prison with a great honor, and history will rember them for ever.At the same time,TPLF will be rembered for its dishonored affairs.
God give them mind to understand the value of freedom.
Dear Casanova,
Peace,
Addisu,
I know that your mind filed with monotonous ideas.That is why I already said you could have learned a lot from your immediate environment if your mind is ok for that but you could not.I could have been surprised you come up with a different idea which I and majority of Ethiopians share it. You are telling us 77 million people support you.You are telling us that the CUD leaders are imprisoned because of their own issues.You are telling us that Ethiopian people have forgotten them.You are telling us that you are working for the erradication of poverty.I am sure you are living in fantasy.Why I said this because it would have been enough evidence for you that the Miazia 30,1997 E.C demonstration.Sorry to remind you this.(In fact you do not have the ability to recapitulate).You were proud of with your bribed? demonstrators the day before this day(many of them said we are here today for our own money but tomorrow for our freedom). You could not believe your eyes and ears.It would have been enough evidence for you that you were defeated by majority vote during the May 2007 election.I am really sorry that we are still led by stubborn minds all the time.There is no free media in the country to expose your savage nature any more.There is no more free press to show the injustice you are committing the whole of Ethiopia means you are doing good for the nation.Please do not mislead yourself.Do you think we hate you because you are in power?No.But because you split ed the nation on the bases of ethnic group which 90% of the people hate it.You monopolized every sectors in the country because of your egoist nature.It is clear that the people are unable to survive because life is becoming very expensive all over the country.When you are told to take correction measures,you label the idea originator as opposition group and you imprison or kill them.Therefore are you normal?I do not think.I also wish to tell you if you do something wrong to the CUD leaders it will be a doomsday for you.You will see what is going to happen.I am really tired of you to explain the reality but I know you poses ed a stupid mind.I am unable to differentiate you and inanimate object.Sorry.
Please God help them these people change to human nature.I thank you.
Dear casanova,
I forgot one thing you should have known.I wish you could learn a lesson from Derg.Derg could not be saved because of its huge weapons and military force.But it could not have mass support.It was because of this reason that the down fall of the regime.Had you been wise (of course you are not)you would have learned from ones failure.As you said we do not trust others to rescue our people and the nation.It is only the matter of time.Do you know Nikola y Cawchesko,who was Rumania’s leader I think in the late 1980s?Ask it would be a very good beginning for you to learn.Be aware that you could not imprison the truth in the minds of 75 million people.One day the people will move to flood you.That time you cannot save yourself.You cannot disguise yourself.This is time to behave like a human being.
Dear all,
I hate to read your comments because you did nothing for the needy. By the way all of you here have got something to eat something to spend someting to enjoy. But you are craying over a nonsense issue for the people who is going to die tomorrow because of Hungre,AIDs,Malaria,Flood,and many more poverty issues.
I know that you are ahead of all the issues I mensioned here. All of you (The supporters and the opposition force) rather than barking here please think of saving your citizen life who is dieing because of hungre. What you are posting here has nothing to do for the people who are dieing because of Food,AIDS,lack of Medical treatment,and other factors.
You habesha people inside and outside Come here and save life stop barking over internet. No one reads your comment let alone internet there is no bread at their home.
The struggle continues until the belly Woyane officials bow down to their knees to be mercied by the Ethiopian people.
Time is running out for Woyane bullies. They played upon the peoples vote for the last two years. Enough is Enough. The cheating card of the ruthless tyrant will be discarded soon.
Now he says the prisoners will be released. But his spokesman Bereket doesn’t know about it. On the other hand Meles urges his lobbists HR2003 to be put off, in order to buy time as usual.
Anywayss he is now in a trap.
God bless Ethiopia!
we wont forget the people who killed by Meles Zenawe,his lieutenants,and Agazi troops.We wont forget the one who shot in head my brothers and sisters and wounded thousend of people.We wont forget you the one who doing crimes againest humanity.who murdered our inecent people?TPLF or CUD?Justic will be prevail.
Poor kulila,
You must be one of the dead members of the dead EPRDF parliament.Please wake up.
yeleyal zendro yelyal zendero yeweyane nuro yelyal!!,
gud fela zendro gobez tenestwal temnjawen yezwal
As it is said the only and the last chance for woyane is now to let the preasoners go and submit them selves if not “awey eppf tenstwal get ready for the amazing news any one who has relative gonder belsa ask what happned and who surrnder last week I cant disclose it but it is all over for woyane that is why they running up and down for agreement they better do it fast del l Emye Ethiopia .