August 19/2005

Abera Yemane Ab, jailed illegally for twelve years, has now been released after a court sentenced him to a ten years prison term. SOCEPP is delighted by the news of Abera's release though his long detention (and not merely the two years plus he had to serve vis a vis the sentence) was and is totally illegal and a vindictive political act on the part of the ruling EPRDF. Abera has been told he cannot sue the regime and will be without any civic rights for three years.

SOCEPP is obliged to bring to the attention of the world that very many other political prisoners are still languishing in the hell holes of the regime. Fitawrari Mekonen Dori, Colonel Getahun Ijigu,and many others are still in the Kaliti prison being wasted away by malady and mistreatment. Tsegaye Gebre Medhin, Yishak Debretsion,Ms Aberash berta and scores of their comrades have disappeared sincee the early nineties.Aba Amhayesus,a monk, is suffering in Gondar prison where many political prisoners are also detained. In Zwai hundreds if not thousands are bearing harsh treatment from the hands of their gaolers. In the Ogaden, Gamo Gofa, Tigrai,Awassa and very other places known as prisons or kept as ghost/secret detention centers dozens and hundreds are impriosned without due process for being suspected of political sympatheis to opposition forces. The total number of political priosners in Ethiopia is conservatively estimated to be between 13-15,000. SOCEPP has previously published an incomplete list.

SOCEPP continues to call on the EPRDF to release ALL political prisoners and to put an end to the violation of the due process of law enshrined even in its own Constitution. Account must be made on the whereabouts of the disappeared.Poltical rivals of Meles Zenawi, who have been denied due process or have been railroaded and condemned on trumped up charges, should also have their basic rights respected. Those recently arrested in connection with peaceful protests over the general election of May 2005 should also be released without conditions. Political organizations in Ethiopia should take up the call for the release of all political prisoners.

Release all political prisoners immediately!