October 19/2005

A young student, Elias Alemayehu, is shot dead by the police in Jimma and a protest demonstration violently put down. Politically motivated police action against traders in Shoa Ber area of Harar leading to deaths and arrests. The Secretary General of the opposition United Ethiopian Democratic front, Ato Dereje Kebede and another member, Alemayehu Mohamed, jailed overnight, mistreated and threatened and released. Security agents beat up the local representative of Action Aid, Daniel Bekele. Scores of CUD members and supporters rounded up and some 34 falsely accused of planning a coup d'etat!

All over Ethiopia, the repression unleashed by the EPRDF is intensifying with more than 2000 people jailed in the last two months alone. Brutal actions by police and security agents leading to loss of life, miscarriages, rape and torture have been reported from various areas as the regime tries to stamp out post election opposition that accuses it of stealing the vote of the people. Sadly enough, some western countries identified as donors have refused to follow the correct stance of the European union and are colliding with the repressive regime. To this effect, SOCEPP has called on Washington and other capitals to call for the respect of human rights in Ethiopia.

Threats emanating from the Prime Minister himself have highlighted the seriousness of the worsening situation. There is an ongoing gross violation of human rights in Ethiopia and the future does not augur anything better.

Please call for an end to the repression and the release of all political prisoners.