Court releases major newspaper
publishers
Monday, April 09, 2007
The court in charge of the treason and genocide
trial of political dissidents today ordered the release
of five major newspapers including Serkalem Fasil
and her husband Eskinder Nega. The The court also
ordered the release of prominent journalists Sisay
Agena, fasil yenealem and Dereje Habtewolde.
Meanwhile, the court said the prosecutor didn't
show enough evidence proving the charges of
attempted genocide and high treason(different from
treason) against CUD leaders. (more)
publishers
Monday, April 09, 2007
The court in charge of the treason and genocide
trial of political dissidents today ordered the release
of five major newspapers including Serkalem Fasil
and her husband Eskinder Nega. The The court also
ordered the release of prominent journalists Sisay
Agena, fasil yenealem and Dereje Habtewolde.
Meanwhile, the court said the prosecutor didn't
show enough evidence proving the charges of
attempted genocide and high treason(different from
treason) against CUD leaders. (more)
(Kinijit International)
(Kinijit Calgary)
(Kinijit North America)
( Kinijit Canada)
‘”We must learn to live together as brothers; or we will
perish together as fools”
Dr Martin Luther King Jr.
NO MORE KILLINGS OF CIVILIANS!
Fellow Ethiopians:
Has anyone heard of Degehabur before? Or knows where it is located? It is a
small town in the Ogaden region of Ethiopia, populated mainly by Ethiopian
Somalis. It is in this town that a massacre of civilians by non-government
forces occurred on April 24th 2007.
The Ogaden National liberation front (ONLF), a group that is sponsored by the
regime of Issayas Afeworki in Asmara, has immediately taken responsibility
defending its actions as a protection to the way of life of residents of
Ogaden.
” We will not allow the mineral resources of our people to be exploited by this
regime or any firm that it enters into an illegal contract.”
Ato Seyoum Mesfin the foreign minister of Ethiopia put the blame squarely on
international and local terrorists from Somalia. The Minister promised that they
will get to the bottom of it. Some EPRDF sympathizing groups that were silent
when hundreds were brutally massacred in Addis Ababa, Dessie, Wellega,
Mogadishu .., have suddenly come out as advocates and defenders of
“humanity”. (What an irony?)
One of such group is the Union of Tigreans in North America (UTNA). The UTNA
has released a statement condemning the action of the ONLF. In their
statement we read: (full Text)
perish together as fools”
Dr Martin Luther King Jr.
NO MORE KILLINGS OF CIVILIANS!
Fellow Ethiopians:
Has anyone heard of Degehabur before? Or knows where it is located? It is a
small town in the Ogaden region of Ethiopia, populated mainly by Ethiopian
Somalis. It is in this town that a massacre of civilians by non-government
forces occurred on April 24th 2007.
The Ogaden National liberation front (ONLF), a group that is sponsored by the
regime of Issayas Afeworki in Asmara, has immediately taken responsibility
defending its actions as a protection to the way of life of residents of
Ogaden.
” We will not allow the mineral resources of our people to be exploited by this
regime or any firm that it enters into an illegal contract.”
Ato Seyoum Mesfin the foreign minister of Ethiopia put the blame squarely on
international and local terrorists from Somalia. The Minister promised that they
will get to the bottom of it. Some EPRDF sympathizing groups that were silent
when hundreds were brutally massacred in Addis Ababa, Dessie, Wellega,
Mogadishu .., have suddenly come out as advocates and defenders of
“humanity”. (What an irony?)
One of such group is the Union of Tigreans in North America (UTNA). The UTNA
has released a statement condemning the action of the ONLF. In their
statement we read: (full Text)
Constitutional Rights and Constitutional Wrongs:
Justice System Reform Through Accountability in Ethiopia
Alemayehu G. Mariam
May 7, 2007
Thank you for inviting me to speak at the Ethiopia Round table Forum of the
Canadian Peace building Coordinating Committee (CPCC) in Ottawa, Canada.
The CPCC network, which is made up of about 75 Canadian organizations
and individual members involved in peace building and conflict prevention
activities, is engaged in enabling dialogue on peace and conflict issues and
in articulating peace building policy and program approaches.
Let me also thank the Solidarity Committee for Ethiopian Political Prisoners
(SOCEPP) of Canada for its assistance in organizing this Roundtable Forum.
Please be assured that all of us engaged in the defense and advancement
of the cause of democracy, freedom and human rights fully support your
efforts to obtain the release of all political prisoners in Ethiopia.(Full Text)
Justice System Reform Through Accountability in Ethiopia
Alemayehu G. Mariam
May 7, 2007
Thank you for inviting me to speak at the Ethiopia Round table Forum of the
Canadian Peace building Coordinating Committee (CPCC) in Ottawa, Canada.
The CPCC network, which is made up of about 75 Canadian organizations
and individual members involved in peace building and conflict prevention
activities, is engaged in enabling dialogue on peace and conflict issues and
in articulating peace building policy and program approaches.
Let me also thank the Solidarity Committee for Ethiopian Political Prisoners
(SOCEPP) of Canada for its assistance in organizing this Roundtable Forum.
Please be assured that all of us engaged in the defense and advancement
of the cause of democracy, freedom and human rights fully support your
efforts to obtain the release of all political prisoners in Ethiopia.(Full Text)
Page 2
Ethiopia genocide charges dropped
April 9, 2008 (BBC)
The opposition leaders say the
government controls the court
An Ethiopian judge has quashed
controversial charges of attempted
genocide and treason against 111
people arrested after election
protests.
Twenty-five accused, mostly journalists and
publishers, have also been acquitted of all charges.
However several opposition leaders remain in
custody, accused of trying to violently overthrow the
government.
Amnesty International says the charges of genocide
were "absurd" and that the accused are "prisoners
of conscience".
The accused have always said the trial was political
and all but two have refused to co-operate.
Almost 200 people died in two waves of protests
over alleged vote-rigging - denied by Prime Minister
Meles Zenawi. (Full Text)
April 9, 2008 (BBC)
The opposition leaders say the
government controls the court
An Ethiopian judge has quashed
controversial charges of attempted
genocide and treason against 111
people arrested after election
protests.
Twenty-five accused, mostly journalists and
publishers, have also been acquitted of all charges.
However several opposition leaders remain in
custody, accused of trying to violently overthrow the
government.
Amnesty International says the charges of genocide
were "absurd" and that the accused are "prisoners
of conscience".
The accused have always said the trial was political
and all but two have refused to co-operate.
Almost 200 people died in two waves of protests
over alleged vote-rigging - denied by Prime Minister
Meles Zenawi. (Full Text)
Another Shameful Act by Woyane’s Hired Guns
It pains us to report to you that Shaleqa Yoseph
Yazew and Mogus Biruk are once again set to stifle
Kinijit’s operation in North America. This time round,
their targets are Kinijit websites who
educate and inform the public and who play major
roll in the unprecedented lobbying effort to secure
the release of imprisoned Kinijit leaders. Indeed
these websites have become the voices of
seventy million voiceless Ethiopians who live under
one of the most repressive regimes in Africa.
Targeting Kinijit’s operation and especially
strangling Kinijit web sites is exactly Meles Zenawi’s
idea of a perfect hiatus. The “Vocal Diaspora”, as he
often calls it, is his nightmare. It is now turning out
to be Shaleqa’s and Moges’s nightmare too. more
It pains us to report to you that Shaleqa Yoseph
Yazew and Mogus Biruk are once again set to stifle
Kinijit’s operation in North America. This time round,
their targets are Kinijit websites who
educate and inform the public and who play major
roll in the unprecedented lobbying effort to secure
the release of imprisoned Kinijit leaders. Indeed
these websites have become the voices of
seventy million voiceless Ethiopians who live under
one of the most repressive regimes in Africa.
Targeting Kinijit’s operation and especially
strangling Kinijit web sites is exactly Meles Zenawi’s
idea of a perfect hiatus. The “Vocal Diaspora”, as he
often calls it, is his nightmare. It is now turning out
to be Shaleqa’s and Moges’s nightmare too. more
| Kinijit North America Association of Support Organizations (KNAASO) 766 Rock Creek Church Rd., NW. Washington DC, 20010 |
Mediation breaks again after EPRDF and political prisoners appear to
reach preliminary agreement
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Final efforts for mediation between the government and Ethiopia's famous
political prisoners broke down last week due to Meles Zenawi's
Intransigence. Hope that this time the mediation would be successful was
high after preliminary agreement was reached between the parties last
Tuesday. Meles Zenawi, however, sent a guilty form for the prisoners to be
filled individually a day after the agreement was reached. The form states
that the CUDP council members admit that they have tried to subvert the
constitutional order. The prisoners refused to sign the form. (Full Text)
reach preliminary agreement
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Final efforts for mediation between the government and Ethiopia's famous
political prisoners broke down last week due to Meles Zenawi's
Intransigence. Hope that this time the mediation would be successful was
high after preliminary agreement was reached between the parties last
Tuesday. Meles Zenawi, however, sent a guilty form for the prisoners to be
filled individually a day after the agreement was reached. The form states
that the CUDP council members admit that they have tried to subvert the
constitutional order. The prisoners refused to sign the form. (Full Text)
Africa parliament says Ethiopia to fail in Somalia
Thu 10 May 2007, 16:22 GMT
By Bate Felix
JOHANNESBURG, May 10 (Reuters) - Ethiopia's efforts to stabilise Somalia
are unlikely to succeed and African countries should live up to their promises
to send peacekeepers there, a continental advisory body said on Thursday.
he Pan African Parliament (PAP) also said in a report that Ethiopian military
support for Somali government forces against Islamist insurgents was
"doomed to failure".
Backed by Ethiopian troops, tanks and warplanes, Somali forces ousted rival
Islamist leaders in January and are trying to secure the capital after a surge
of bloody fighting.
Fighting between Ethiopian-backed government forces and insurgents has
killed at least 1,300 people since February. Just days ago, it declared
victory, but is still wary of guerrilla-style attacks.
The PAP only advises the African Union (AU) and has no decision-making
powers.. (Full TexT)
Thu 10 May 2007, 16:22 GMT
By Bate Felix
JOHANNESBURG, May 10 (Reuters) - Ethiopia's efforts to stabilise Somalia
are unlikely to succeed and African countries should live up to their promises
to send peacekeepers there, a continental advisory body said on Thursday.
he Pan African Parliament (PAP) also said in a report that Ethiopian military
support for Somali government forces against Islamist insurgents was
"doomed to failure".
Backed by Ethiopian troops, tanks and warplanes, Somali forces ousted rival
Islamist leaders in January and are trying to secure the capital after a surge
of bloody fighting.
Fighting between Ethiopian-backed government forces and insurgents has
killed at least 1,300 people since February. Just days ago, it declared
victory, but is still wary of guerrilla-style attacks.
The PAP only advises the African Union (AU) and has no decision-making
powers.. (Full TexT)
US Foreign Policy Saps Human Rights Improvements in Ethiopia and
Equatorial Guinea Testimony Committee on Foreign Affairs
Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and
Oversight Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health
Presented by Lynn Fredriksson, Advocacy Director for Africa
Amnesty International USA
May 10, 2007
Chairman Lantos, Chairman Delahunt, Chairman Payne, distinguished
Members of the Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human
Rights, and Oversight, the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, and
the full Committee on Foreign Affairs, thank you for holding this important
joint briefing and for allowing Amnesty International the opportunity to
discuss serious ongoing concerns regarding human rights violations in and
U.S. foreign policy on Ethiopia and Equatorial Guinea. (Full Text)
Equatorial Guinea Testimony Committee on Foreign Affairs
Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights, and
Oversight Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health
Presented by Lynn Fredriksson, Advocacy Director for Africa
Amnesty International USA
May 10, 2007
Chairman Lantos, Chairman Delahunt, Chairman Payne, distinguished
Members of the Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human
Rights, and Oversight, the Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, and
the full Committee on Foreign Affairs, thank you for holding this important
joint briefing and for allowing Amnesty International the opportunity to
discuss serious ongoing concerns regarding human rights violations in and
U.S. foreign policy on Ethiopia and Equatorial Guinea. (Full Text)
RESPONSIBLE U.S. POLICY TOWARD ETHIOPIA
Context, Challenges, and Opportunities of a
Strategically Vital Relationship
Testimony before the United States House of
Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs
Subcommittee on International Organizations,
Human Rights, and Oversight and Subcommittee on
Africa and Global Health
May 10, 2007
By Dr. J. Peter Pham
Director
The Nelson Institute for International and Public
Affairs James Madison University Chairman Delahunt,
Chairman Payne, Congressman Rohrabacher,
Congressman Smith, and Distinguished Members of
Congress:
I am honored and pleased to have received the
invitation opportunity to appear before you today to
discuss, as the title of this hearing has it, whether
there is “a human rights double standard” with
respect to United States policy towards Equatorial
Guinea and Ethiopia. (Full Text)
Context, Challenges, and Opportunities of a
Strategically Vital Relationship
Testimony before the United States House of
Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs
Subcommittee on International Organizations,
Human Rights, and Oversight and Subcommittee on
Africa and Global Health
May 10, 2007
By Dr. J. Peter Pham
Director
The Nelson Institute for International and Public
Affairs James Madison University Chairman Delahunt,
Chairman Payne, Congressman Rohrabacher,
Congressman Smith, and Distinguished Members of
Congress:
I am honored and pleased to have received the
invitation opportunity to appear before you today to
discuss, as the title of this hearing has it, whether
there is “a human rights double standard” with
respect to United States policy towards Equatorial
Guinea and Ethiopia. (Full Text)
| The official Holy Synod of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church called for the release of all political prisoners and journalist. (The official Holy Synod) |
5K - Freedom Walk in Washington DC
In Commemoration of the Disputed May 2005
Elections
In Commemoration of the Disputed May 2005
Elections
(Kinijit DC Metro)
(Kinijit International)
Two rebel groups carry out joint military action in
eastern Ethiopia
Monday 21 May 2007
May 20, 2007 (ADDIS ABABA) — Two Ethiopian rebel
groups carried out a joint military operation against
the Ethiopian army in the eastern part of the
country. A rebel statement alleged 157 soldiers
were killed during the attack. In a joint military
operation, the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and the
Ogaden National Liberation Army (ONLA) have killed
157 soldiers of the Ethiopian army in various places
in the Warder zone of the Ogaden region . (Full Text)
eastern Ethiopia
Monday 21 May 2007
May 20, 2007 (ADDIS ABABA) — Two Ethiopian rebel
groups carried out a joint military operation against
the Ethiopian army in the eastern part of the
country. A rebel statement alleged 157 soldiers
were killed during the attack. In a joint military
operation, the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and the
Ogaden National Liberation Army (ONLA) have killed
157 soldiers of the Ethiopian army in various places
in the Warder zone of the Ogaden region . (Full Text)
Human Rights Crisis in the Horn of Africa
Toronto, ON (June 9, 2007) - The organizing committee constituted by Horn
of Africa Student Activists in Toronto, in collaboration with the Ogaden
Human Rights Committee of Canada, will launch its first major international
symposium on one of the most pivotal human rights issues of the day –
“Human Rights Crisis in the Horn of Africa”. The symposium is appropriately
titled “Horn of Africa Social Justice Forum” and will take place at the Price
Family
Cinema, University of York, on Saturday June 9, 2007, from 3:30 pm. until 8:
00 p.m. The Forum is free and open to the public. (Full Text)
Toronto, ON (June 9, 2007) - The organizing committee constituted by Horn
of Africa Student Activists in Toronto, in collaboration with the Ogaden
Human Rights Committee of Canada, will launch its first major international
symposium on one of the most pivotal human rights issues of the day –
“Human Rights Crisis in the Horn of Africa”. The symposium is appropriately
titled “Horn of Africa Social Justice Forum” and will take place at the Price
Family
Cinema, University of York, on Saturday June 9, 2007, from 3:30 pm. until 8:
00 p.m. The Forum is free and open to the public. (Full Text)
Ethiopia's opposition parties need to rethink
relations with Eritrea
Haile Lemma
May 11, 2007
Most Ethiopians, particularly the hardline
Nationalists, hold the perception that Eritrea is still
conspiring with the woyanne regime against the
interests of Ethiopia. They believe that even the
bloody border conflict between the two countries is
an attempt by their incumbent leaders to deceive
the Ethiopian people and the international
community and is designed to tighten their grip on
power in their respective countries.. (Full Text)
relations with Eritrea
Haile Lemma
May 11, 2007
Most Ethiopians, particularly the hardline
Nationalists, hold the perception that Eritrea is still
conspiring with the woyanne regime against the
interests of Ethiopia. They believe that even the
bloody border conflict between the two countries is
an attempt by their incumbent leaders to deceive
the Ethiopian people and the international
community and is designed to tighten their grip on
power in their respective countries.. (Full Text)
Ethiopia: Amnesty International Annual Report 2007
FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA
Head of state: Girma Wolde-Giorgis
Head of government: Meles Zenawi
Death penalty: retentionist
International Criminal Court: not ratified
There were a number of political trials of opposition party leaders, journalists
and human rights defenders. A parliamentary commission reported that the
security forces did not use excessive force when they killed 193
demonstrators in 2005, but defecting commission leaders said there had been
excessive use of force but that their findings had been changed by the
government. Scores of people were detained and some reportedly tortured
for opposition activities. (Full Text)
FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA
Head of state: Girma Wolde-Giorgis
Head of government: Meles Zenawi
Death penalty: retentionist
International Criminal Court: not ratified
There were a number of political trials of opposition party leaders, journalists
and human rights defenders. A parliamentary commission reported that the
security forces did not use excessive force when they killed 193
demonstrators in 2005, but defecting commission leaders said there had been
excessive use of force but that their findings had been changed by the
government. Scores of people were detained and some reportedly tortured
for opposition activities. (Full Text)
Allegiance Rewarded Ethiopia reaps U.S.aid by enlisting in war on terror
and hiring influential lobbyists
By Marina Walker Guevara
5/22/2007
WASHINGTON, May 22, 2007— One dramatic act sets Ethiopia apart from the
array of countries with poor human rights records that have become United
States counter terrorism allies since the September 11, 2001, attacks: With U.
S. backing, it invaded a neighboring country and overthrew a Taliban-like
Islamist movement.
The country that Ethiopia invaded is its neighbor to the east in the Horn of
Africa, the disintegrated state of Somalia, where the Islamist movement,
called the Union of Islamic Courts, had taken over much of the country and
was suspected of harboring al Qaeda members. Ethiopia remains militarily
embroiled there today.(Full Text)
and hiring influential lobbyists
By Marina Walker Guevara
5/22/2007
WASHINGTON, May 22, 2007— One dramatic act sets Ethiopia apart from the
array of countries with poor human rights records that have become United
States counter terrorism allies since the September 11, 2001, attacks: With U.
S. backing, it invaded a neighboring country and overthrew a Taliban-like
Islamist movement.
The country that Ethiopia invaded is its neighbor to the east in the Horn of
Africa, the disintegrated state of Somalia, where the Islamist movement,
called the Union of Islamic Courts, had taken over much of the country and
was suspected of harboring al Qaeda members. Ethiopia remains militarily
embroiled there today.(Full Text)
Democracy in Ethiopia, Unplugged:
Reflections on a Dream Deferred
Alemayehu G. Mariam
May 29, 2007
“But along the way to Kality jail, please look lovingly
into the eyes of the people in the streets. You will
see the spirit of democracy etched in the distressed
faces of young people who stand by the street
corners watching their youthful lives pass away
without getting an education to help themselves and
their families. You will see democracy written in the
faces of our elders walking to church to pray for an
end to the unspeakable suffering inflicted upon our
beloved homeland. And if you look down, you will
even see it in the joyful smiles of the shoeshine boys"
(Almariam). Full Text
Reflections on a Dream Deferred
Alemayehu G. Mariam
May 29, 2007
“But along the way to Kality jail, please look lovingly
into the eyes of the people in the streets. You will
see the spirit of democracy etched in the distressed
faces of young people who stand by the street
corners watching their youthful lives pass away
without getting an education to help themselves and
their families. You will see democracy written in the
faces of our elders walking to church to pray for an
end to the unspeakable suffering inflicted upon our
beloved homeland. And if you look down, you will
even see it in the joyful smiles of the shoeshine boys"
(Almariam). Full Text
Copyright ©2006 Kinijit Minnesota. All rights reserved |
| Kinijit Minnesota Support Group for Democracy & Development Association |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |