By Ashenafi Abedje – VOA

Report on release of detained opposition leaders (MP3) audio clip

Washington, DC – After months of negotiations, the government of Ethiopia has released 30 opposition leaders, human rights activists and journalists. They had been convicted of what the government called the instigation of violence and an attempt to change the government through unconstitutional means. This, following the turmoil of last year’s contentious elections that saw the re-election of the ruling EPRDF party in Ethiopia. The opposition, which also made strong gains in the Parliament, maintains it was cheated out of an overall victory.

Tamru Wondimagegn is a member of the negotiating team that helped facilitate the release of the detainees. He said months of negotiations came to a successful conclusion thanks to what he calls the flexibility shown by both the government and the detained leaders.

He said it was significant that the accused admitted some responsibility – though not guilt – for what they called “mistakes” during the time of public protests. He said, “The admittance of a mistake on the part of the defendants was very important, very crucial, and that was exactly what they did.”

He said it was part of the give-and-take process by both parties, including the court, which said it would give the defendants a life sentence. However, in the end, the government recommended the case to the Pardon Board based on the document reportedly signed by the opposition leaders.

The deal to release the detained leaders includes a provision that allows them to resume political activities. But Tamru was ambivalent on the question of whether the opposition leaders will now be able to take their seats in Parliament. He said, “Let’s hope that is going to happen… I’m not in a position to comment on that, but that is my understanding.”

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