June 4/2008

Sudan's Illegal actions against Ethiopian Farmers Intensified

Fresh reports from Ethiopia and the Sudan reveal that Sudanese troops occupying parts of Ethiopia have continued to violate the rights of Ethiopian farmers and farm workers. More Ethiopians have been kidnapped and others killed on the spot. It is not yet known if the freshly kidnapped ones have been taken to the Sinja prison (2 hours drive out of Khartoum) where the first batch of men and women prisoners are being held.

 One farm worker was burnt to death and the following shot and killed:

Hunegnaw Mulat, Tsehaineh Mesele,Ayalneh Worku,Hailu Legas and Demsash Bogale. The EPRDF has, up to now, not only refused to take action but has yet to acknowledge the situation. The prisoners in Sinja are mistreated and denied basic amenities. On the other hand, more and more Sudanese troops are now stationed on Ethiopian land that has been ceded by the EPRDF. Despite appeals by several quarters the Sudanese authorities have refused to release the Ethiopian prisoners.

 SOCEPP calls on all Ethiopians and friends of Ethiopia to call on the Sudanese authorities to immediately release the Ethiopians under its custody.

SOCEPP