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Amnesty International
Ethiopia: Escalating violence leaves at least six dead

Press release, 11/01/2005

Amnesty International expressed serious concern at escalating violence in Ethiopia today, after learning that police reportedly shot dead six people and wounded at least 25.

The killings took place during street protests against the election results announced in September of the 15 May 2005 elections. Protests against the police shootings are currently taking place in the Piazza district of Addis Ababa.

Yesterday, thirty drivers who joined the protests by honking their horns were detained. Large numbers of suspected members of the CUD are reportedly being taken from their homes by police. At least five leaders of the CUD have been detained: the President of the CUD, Hailu Shawel (MP), who was reportedly beaten on arrest; the Vice-President of the CUD, Birtukan Mideksa; Dr Berhanu Nega (MP), Major of Addis Ababa; Getachew Mengiste (MP), senior member of the CUD; and Gizachew Shifferaw, a member of the Executive Committee of the CUD. Professor Mesfin Woldemariam (aged 73), the former Chair of the Ethiopian Human Rights Council who is ill with a painful spinal complaint, was also reportedly detained from his home today.

Amnesty International condemns the excessive use of force by the police and the arbitrary detention of members and suspected members of the CUD. The organization calls on the government to stop the use of excessive and lethal force against protesters and to either immediately charge or release anyone detained in relation to the protests. Amnesty International considers those named above to be prisoners of conscience arrested solely for the non-violent expression of their political opinions and calls for their immediate and unconditional release and guarantees that they will be not be ill-treated.

 

EthnoCentrism - A 66 page detailed document on Ethiopian History and Current Political Landscape

Committee to Protect Journalists
New York, November 10, 2005

— The Committee to Protect Journalists unequivocally condemns plans by the Ethiopian government to charge journalists detained during a wave of anti-government protests with treason. Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said Wednesday treason charges would be brought against opposition leaders and journalists arrested in connection with clashes last week between protesters and security forces in which more than 40 people were killed, according to international news reports.

At least six journalists are in detention. Most of the private press is hiding, local sources told CPJ. Zenawi told members of the foreign press that the journalists “are not just journalists. They will not be charged for violating the press laws. They will be charged, like the [opposition party] CUD leaders, for treason,” the London daily The Independent reported. Treason is punishable by death in Ethiopia.

“CPJ is appalled that Ethiopian authorities are considering using such an outrageous charge against members of the press,” said Ann Cooper, executive director of CPJ. “We urge the Ethiopian government to release all detained journalists, and to end its campaign of intimidation designed to shut down the private press.”

Four journalists turned themselves in to the police on Wednesday, after their names appeared on a list of people, published by state-owned media, whom the government plans to prosecute for attempting to “violently undermine the constitutional order in the country.” They are Zekarias Tesfaye, publisher of the private, Amharic-language weekly Netsanet ; Dereje Habtewolde, deputy editor of Netsanet ; Fassil Yenealem, publisher of the Amharic-language weekly Addis Zena , and Wosonseged Gebrekidan, editor-in-chief of Addis Zena >> read more


 

Ethiopian (ESFNA) Seattle Soccer Tournament - Scores

Final Result
MARYLAND IS THE CHAMPION
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ESFNA 2006 in Los Angeles
www.EthioLA3.com

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: features the music and dance of Ethiopia, in recognition and celebration of millions of refugees, who have contributed to and enriched cultures throughout the world. International Refugee Day
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