July 20/2007

RELEASE ABERA YEMANEAB NOW

The government of Meles Zenawi is trumpeting itself as a regime that respects the rule of law as if the release of just a few illegally jailed political leaders gives credence to such a claim. However, the regime still holds thousands of political prisoners including EPRP leaders and members like Tsegaye, Yishak, Hagos Bezabih, Tesfaye kebede, Tamrat Gizatchew, Lemma Hailu, Teklai Gebre Sellasie, Wondusirak Desta, Desalegn Amsalu, Aberash Berta and many more.

The other political prisoner who should not be forgotten is none other Abera Yemaneab.

Abera Yemaneab went to Ethiopia in 1993 as part of the delegation of the opposition Coalition of Ethiopian Democratic Forces (COEDF) to take part in a Peace and Reconciliation conference that was even backed by many Western countries. He and many others were arrested at the Bole airport and imprisoned. All the others were released after two months but Abera was kept and railroaded through the courts for months on false charges though one court had ordered his immediate release. Abera was kept in prison for 12 years without being condemned. And then a court sentenced him to 10 years and he was released after being forced to sign a paper proclaiming he will not sue the regime for the two years more he had to serve over his sentence. Abera's attempt to join his family in Washington DC was blocked by the regime and after just a few months of freedom he was rearrested, brought before a judge and sentenced to 25 years. Surprisingly, Amnesty International still refuses to take up his case.

Abera Yemaneab is in prison because he was a leader of the COEDF which vigorously opposed the ruling front of Meles Zenawi. Numerous witnesses have testified in his favor though the regime did try to accuse hm of Red Terror crimes. Not surprisingly, some top criminals of the Red Terror are offcials of the regime itself at the present time. The travesty of justice that has befallen on Abera should be reversed without delay and he should be released without any condition. The American government that gave his safe return gaurantee should also be grilled for sacrificing Abera on the altar of real politik.

Call for the release of Abera Yemaneab!

SOCEPP