Hundreds of Ethiopians in Washington DC held a protest rally in front the White House on Monday. The protesters demanded the immediate release of opposition leaders and journalists who were sentenced to life in prison by a kangaroo court in Ethiopia yesterday after a sham trial.
Three of the protesters — Dr Meqdese Fekade, Ms. Lishan Akuma and Ms. Zelekash — had been arrested by the park police and secret service agents for allegedly trespassing police lines and refusing to obey police orders.
Dr Mqedese and Ms. Zelekash were released in the afternoon, but Ms. Lishan was sent to a hospital to get treatment for a dislocated shoulder which occurred while she allegedly resisted arrest. She will stay over night in a hospital, according to the police.
The rally was organized by leaders of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Kinijit Washington DC Chapter, UEDF-DC, Tegbar League and other civic groups in collaboration with members of the media, particularly Addis Dimts Radio and Netsanet LeEthiopia Radio.
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