(New York, July 20, 2007) — Amnesty International today welcomed the release of 38 Ethiopian opposition party officials, prominent human rights defenders and journalists who had been detained since November 2005. They received a pardon and had their political rights restored four days after most were sentenced to life in prison and others to prison terms of up to 15 years. Amnesty International considered most, if not all, to be prisoners of conscience.
“We are pleased by the decision to pardon prisoners of conscience, including human rights defenders, who are now free to participate in the social and political development of their country,” said Lynn Fredriksson, Africa Advocacy Director for Amnesty International USA.
Amnesty International expressed the hope that this important measure of political reconciliation will be a step toward the institutionalization of human rights protections throughout the country. The 38 were arrested after political demonstrations against official parliamentary election results in 2005, after which security forces killed 187 people and six police officers were also killed.
“Following today’s news, we renew our appeal for the release of two other prisoners of conscience, Daniel Bekele and Netsanet Demissie, accused with the 38 but whose trial is continuing next week,” said Fredriksson. Unlike those sentenced the two had opted to submit a defense. Another prisoner of conscience whose trial is adjourned until October is Kifle Tigneh, who was elected to parliament in 2005.
The 38 released today received pardons after submitting a letter to the government of Ethiopia acknowledging “mistakes committed both individually and collectively” in relation to the 2005 elections.
They include Coalition of Unity and Democracy (CUD) leaders Hailu Shawel, Birtukan Mideksa, Dr. Berhanu Negga and Professor Yakob Hailemariam, as well as Professor Mesfin Woldemariam, founder of the Ethiopian Human Rights Council, and journalist Andualem Ayele.
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.”
Congressional Ethiopian American Caucus Celebrates the Ethiopian Millennium upon release of Political Prisoners
Washington, DC – Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA), Members of the Congressional Ethiopian American Caucus celebrate the release today of 38 Ethiopian political opposition leaders, most recently sentenced to life in prison, and now fully pardoned. This news comes after H.R.2003 the Ethiopia Democracy and Accountability Act (Payne) House mark up on Wednesday, July 18th. Caucus Members have traditionally supported legislation that reaffirms Ethiopia’s role on the world stage. From H.R.935 Free and Fair Elections in Ethiopia Act (Honda), to monitoring negotiations between Starbucks and the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office (EIPO), the Ethiopia Caucus is based on the principle that if given the necessary tools, Ethiopia can truly be a lighthouse for Africa. Rep. Honda, Founder and Chair of the Ethiopia Caucus stated that, “It is important, now more than ever, to celebrate Ethiopia with vigilance and genuine partnership.”
On the decision to pardon prominent political opposition leaders, Rep. Honda stated, “In the spirit of new beginnings, it is my hope that the Ethiopian Government and members of the political opposition take every necessary step toward true reconciliation.” This week, Rep. Honda (CA-15) introduced H.Res.550 congratulating the people of Ethiopia on the second Millennium of Ethiopia, co-authored by Rep. Payne (NJ-10). Ethiopia’s calendar is based on the Orthodox Tewahedo Calendar which is derived from the Julian calendar – the west follows the Gregorian calendar. H.RES. demonstrates Congress support for the Ethiopian American community, and Congressman Honda plans to use the attention surrounding the Millennium to highlight priority issues including reconciliation. He stated that, “True reconciliation includes the speedy release of political prisoners, and granting them the right to participate in a democratic society. The Ethiopian Government has taken an important step forward today that will set the tone for celebrations of the Millennium. ”
Members of the Congressional Ethiopian American Caucus are eager to use the Millennium as an opportunity to bring national attention to Ethiopia, the original home of hundreds of thousands of Ethiopian Americans. Mr. Honda stated that, “In the wake of a tumultuous period in Ethiopian history, it was important for us to do more to increase visibility around this country that has meant so much to an important, but largely overlooked, minority constituency. We want to do more to show our appreciation to the Ethiopian American community for all that they continue to contribute to our society, and more importantly, to support their efforts to bring national attention to the issues that matter to them.” Ethiopian Americans make up the second largest African immigrant community in the United States, with US-Ethiopia relations initiated in 1903. Recognizing Ethiopia’s role in the formation of a Pan-African movement, and defeating colonial rule are key points in the resolution, and a significant aspect of Ethiopian identity. The Resolution also recognizes the efforts of all those who are organizing Millennium celebrations. The African Union has already declared the Ethiopia Millennium as the African Millennium, and acknowledges the critical role Ethiopia plays in keeping peace on the Continent.
s/ Rep. Michael Honda
s/ Rep. Donald Payne
s/ Rep. Diane Watson
s/ Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee
s/ Rep. Jim Clyburn
s/ Rep. Robert C. Scott
s/ Rep. Thelma D. Drake
s/ Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson
s/ Rep. Julia Carson
s/ Rep. Vic Snyder
s/ Rep. Zoe Lofgren
s/ Rep. Michael E. Capuano
s/ Rep. Jim Moran
s/ Rep. Barbara Lee
s/ Rep. Chris Van Hollen
s/ Rep. William Lacy Clay
s/ Rep. Gregory W. Meeks
s/ Rep. Elijah Cummings
s/ Rep. Albert Russell Wynn
s/ Rep. Carolyn Maloney
s/ Rep. Joe Wilson
U.S. Department of State Press Statement
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
July 20, 2007
The United States appreciates the efforts of Ethiopian elders and civil society leaders that resulted in today’s pardon by the Ethiopian Government of 38 opposition leaders and journalists detained in the wake of political violence in 2005. We hope they will remain engaged in the promotion of national reconciliation and political reform.
We commend the government of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi for its statesmanship in resolving this issue. The detainees also should be commended for their commitment to advancing democracy in Ethiopia.
The United States calls on all parties to use this breakthrough as the basis to advance dialogue on peace and democratic progress for the benefit of the people of Ethiopia.
OPEN LETTER TO MS BEYONCE KNOWLES – DO NOT COLLIDE WITH MURDERERS
MS Beyonce Knowles,
Music World Entertainment,
1505 Hadley Street
Houston,TX 77002
tel: 713 772 5175 fax: 713 772 5175
Dear Ms Knowles,
SOCEPP is a non political human rights organization that has been struggling for human rights since 1995. We have come to know that you are going to Addis Ababa,Ethiopia, to sing at the regime’s so called Millennium festivities. We guess your agreement to do so must have been motivated by your lack of awareness of the nature of the Meles Zenawi regime in power in Ethiopia. SOCEPP calls upon you not to go to Addis Ababa to sing for a regime that has been internationally condemned as one of the worst human rights violator.
The Meles Zenawi regime has committed atrocities and murder, engaged in genocide and is, even as we write this, committing massacres in the Ogaden and other places. World press bodies have condemned it as the worst predator of the free press.The regime that invited you,directly or otherwise,holds more than 35,000 political prisoners. Millions of Ethiopians are facing a famine situation and most of the inhabitants of Addis Ababa cannot even afford a decent meal while the officials of the regime, with the Prime Minister in the lead, have stolen millions from the national treasury and are lving a life of debauchery. In other words, for most Ethiopians, the millions being spent on the so called Millennium is a very cruel joke on the suffering people of Ethiopia.
Ms Knowles, we are sure many Ethiopians in the Diaspora and in Ethiopia admire your talent and love your songs. They, and most Ethiopians, would not appreciate your singing at a cruel regime’s cynical bash. You should stay away from the feast of killers and human rights violators. Please do not sing for murderers.
Hoping you would listen to the voice of the suffering and the repressed, we thank you and remain,
Declaration of the Presidency on behalf of the EU on the release of the members of opposition and others in Ethiopia
The EU welcomes the release of the members of the opposition following the pardon granted to those sentenced in relation to the events following the May 2005 elections. The EU congratulates all that have worked to achieve this outcome.
The release represents a significant gesture of reconciliation and should mark a new beginning for the country. The EU remains confident that all sides will work together for the future good of Ethiopia and confirms its strong belief that the only manner to resolve differences is through continuous and constructive dialogue.
The EU hopes that all those who have been charged with similar offences and who have chosen to defend themselves will likewise be released or acquitted soon.
The EU stands ready to continue lending any support deemed necessary to the efforts to promote national reconciliation.
