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Crime as a medal [English
Version] [Amharic Version]
By Professor Mesfin
Wondemariam from Kaliti jail
Version] [Amharic Version]
By Professor Mesfin
Wondemariam from Kaliti jail
University of Minnesota Human Rights Center to
screen documentary film ‘Betrayal of
Democracy: Ethiopia’
Contact: Event information: Patrick Finnegan,
Human Rights Center, (612) 626-0041
Media: Patty Mattern, University News Service,
(612) 624-2801
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL
3/12/2007
The University of Minnesota Human Rights Center
will screen the documentary film “Betrayal of
Democracy: Ethiopia,” followed by a panel
discussion at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 29, in Room
25 at the University of Minnesota Law School, 229
19th Ave. S., Minneapolis. The event is free and
open to the public. Betrayal of Democracy:
Ethiopia” gives a shocking insider’s view of politics
in a Third World country where a system of
tyranny, corruption and oppression is being held in
place by a complex assortment of players … all
who influence the internal affairs of the second
most populous country in [sub-Saharan] Africa, not
always with the best interests of the Ethiopian
people in mind.Continued)
screen documentary film ‘Betrayal of
Democracy: Ethiopia’
Contact: Event information: Patrick Finnegan,
Human Rights Center, (612) 626-0041
Media: Patty Mattern, University News Service,
(612) 624-2801
MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL
3/12/2007
The University of Minnesota Human Rights Center
will screen the documentary film “Betrayal of
Democracy: Ethiopia,” followed by a panel
discussion at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 29, in Room
25 at the University of Minnesota Law School, 229
19th Ave. S., Minneapolis. The event is free and
open to the public. Betrayal of Democracy:
Ethiopia” gives a shocking insider’s view of politics
in a Third World country where a system of
tyranny, corruption and oppression is being held in
place by a complex assortment of players … all
who influence the internal affairs of the second
most populous country in [sub-Saharan] Africa, not
always with the best interests of the Ethiopian
people in mind.Continued)
The government of Ethiopia has become notorious for the heavy-handed
March 12, 2007
suppression and punishment of any form of political dissent. On today's
Underreported, we look at the state of freedom of expression in Ethiopia, and
examine how dissent is suppressed. Leonard talks to the family members of
two Ethiopian political prisoners. Meqdes Mesfin is a physician, activist, and
daughter of Mesfin Woldemariam, founder of the Ethiopian Human Rights
Council and the most prominent human rights defender in Ethiopia. He has
been detained by the Ethiopian government in connection with public
demonstrations protesting alleged election fraud in the May 2005 elections in
Ethiopia. Hiwot Nega is the sister of Berhanu Nega, a leading member of the
CUD, Ethiopia’s main opposition party. Listen to the radio interview
March 12, 2007
suppression and punishment of any form of political dissent. On today's
Underreported, we look at the state of freedom of expression in Ethiopia, and
examine how dissent is suppressed. Leonard talks to the family members of
two Ethiopian political prisoners. Meqdes Mesfin is a physician, activist, and
daughter of Mesfin Woldemariam, founder of the Ethiopian Human Rights
Council and the most prominent human rights defender in Ethiopia. He has
been detained by the Ethiopian government in connection with public
demonstrations protesting alleged election fraud in the May 2005 elections in
Ethiopia. Hiwot Nega is the sister of Berhanu Nega, a leading member of the
CUD, Ethiopia’s main opposition party. Listen to the radio interview
The University of Minnesota Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public
Affairs, Law School and Human Rights Center present a special Panel
Discussion Even
Friday, April 6,2007
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Room 25 Mondale Hall
229 19th Ave S.
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Topic: The “New Breed” of African Leaders and the Future of Human Rights
and Democracy in Africa
The Humphrey Institute, the Law School and the Human Rights Center are
proud to present a panel discussion event on Africa, Democracy, Human
Rights, and U.S. Foreign Policy. Framed in the context of the phrase “the new
breed of African leaders,” coined by U.S. President Bill Clinton, the discussion
will critically examine the challenges and obstacles to democratization and
respect for human rights that persist in African countries. (continued)
Affairs, Law School and Human Rights Center present a special Panel
Discussion Even
Friday, April 6,2007
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Room 25 Mondale Hall
229 19th Ave S.
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Topic: The “New Breed” of African Leaders and the Future of Human Rights
and Democracy in Africa
The Humphrey Institute, the Law School and the Human Rights Center are
proud to present a panel discussion event on Africa, Democracy, Human
Rights, and U.S. Foreign Policy. Framed in the context of the phrase “the new
breed of African leaders,” coined by U.S. President Bill Clinton, the discussion
will critically examine the challenges and obstacles to democratization and
respect for human rights that persist in African countries. (continued)
Court Adjourned again! again!
March 23, 2007
The trial of CUD leaders, civil society members and
independent journalists is adjourned again today.
The trial was over in three minutes.
Judge Adil didn't appear today and the other two
judges raised the complexity of the case as a
reason for not finalizing the decision before today.
The court was adjourned until March 30.
(Ethio-Zagol)
March 23, 2007
The trial of CUD leaders, civil society members and
independent journalists is adjourned again today.
The trial was over in three minutes.
Judge Adil didn't appear today and the other two
judges raised the complexity of the case as a
reason for not finalizing the decision before today.
The court was adjourned until March 30.
(Ethio-Zagol)
Death sentence beckons our heroes
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
The court in charge of the treason and genocide trial of kinijit leaders, civil
society members and independent journalists has today rules that all council
members of kinijit including Hailu Shawel, Brehanu Nega and Birtukan Mideksa
should defend their case in the treason charge.
The court ruled that the council’s decision has a direct cause and effect
relationship with the June 8 and November one disturbances. It also ruled
that the prosecutor has produced sufficient evidence to prove that they have
committed treason.
The leaders have previously decided not to defend the case. If they stick to
their previous decision, it means they will be sentenced for committing treason
soon The crime of treason carries a death sentence or severe imprisonment in
Ethiopian law.
The following are ordered to defend themselves
Ato Hailu Shawel, Chairman
Wzr Birtukan Mideksa, Vice-Chair
Ato Muluneh Eyuel, CUD Secretary General
Dr Befekadu Degifie, Head of Finance
Dr Yacob Hailemariam, Head of External Affairs
Ato Gizachew Shiferaw, Head of Public Relations
Ato Sileshi Tena
Ato Abayneh Berhanu
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Ato Andualem Aragie
Ato Aschalew Ketema
Ato Assefa Habteweld
Dr Berhanu Nega, Mayor of Addis Ababa
Ato Brook Kebede
Ato Bedru Adem, Member of Parliament
Ato Debebe Eshetu
Dr Hailu Araya, Member of Parliament
Ato Gebretsadik Hailemariam
Shaleqa Getachew Mengiste
Wzr Nigist G/Hiwot
Dr Tadios Bogale, Member of Parliament
Ato Tamrat Tarekegn
Ato Yeneneh Mulat
Ato Mesfin Aman
The court will rule on other defendants tomorrow
(full Text)
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
The court in charge of the treason and genocide trial of kinijit leaders, civil
society members and independent journalists has today rules that all council
members of kinijit including Hailu Shawel, Brehanu Nega and Birtukan Mideksa
should defend their case in the treason charge.
The court ruled that the council’s decision has a direct cause and effect
relationship with the June 8 and November one disturbances. It also ruled
that the prosecutor has produced sufficient evidence to prove that they have
committed treason.
The leaders have previously decided not to defend the case. If they stick to
their previous decision, it means they will be sentenced for committing treason
soon The crime of treason carries a death sentence or severe imprisonment in
Ethiopian law.
The following are ordered to defend themselves
Ato Hailu Shawel, Chairman
Wzr Birtukan Mideksa, Vice-Chair
Ato Muluneh Eyuel, CUD Secretary General
Dr Befekadu Degifie, Head of Finance
Dr Yacob Hailemariam, Head of External Affairs
Ato Gizachew Shiferaw, Head of Public Relations
Ato Sileshi Tena
Ato Abayneh Berhanu
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Ato Andualem Aragie
Ato Aschalew Ketema
Ato Assefa Habteweld
Dr Berhanu Nega, Mayor of Addis Ababa
Ato Brook Kebede
Ato Bedru Adem, Member of Parliament
Ato Debebe Eshetu
Dr Hailu Araya, Member of Parliament
Ato Gebretsadik Hailemariam
Shaleqa Getachew Mengiste
Wzr Nigist G/Hiwot
Dr Tadios Bogale, Member of Parliament
Ato Tamrat Tarekegn
Ato Yeneneh Mulat
Ato Mesfin Aman
The court will rule on other defendants tomorrow
(full Text)
Postponed again
The trial is postponed again. This time for Monday, 2 April. The court
presented the summary of the Audio, Video and documentary evidence
today. It said the rest of the prosecutor's evidence will be summarized and
presented on Monday.
The court was packed, tens of people couldn't get sits. The judges said that
they wouldn't continue in the afternoon as one of the judges was sick. (EZ)
The trial is postponed again. This time for Monday, 2 April. The court
presented the summary of the Audio, Video and documentary evidence
today. It said the rest of the prosecutor's evidence will be summarized and
presented on Monday.
The court was packed, tens of people couldn't get sits. The judges said that
they wouldn't continue in the afternoon as one of the judges was sick. (EZ)
Death sentence beckons our heroes
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
The court in charge of the treason and genocide trial of kinijit leaders, civil
society members and independent journalists has today rules that all
council members of kinijit including Hailu Shawel, Brehanu Nega and Birtukan
Mideksa should defend their case in the treason charge. The court ruled
that the council’s decision has a direct cause and effect relationship with the
June 8 and November one disturbances. It also ruled that the prosecutor
has produced sufficient evidence to prove that they have committed treason.
(continued)
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
The court in charge of the treason and genocide trial of kinijit leaders, civil
society members and independent journalists has today rules that all
council members of kinijit including Hailu Shawel, Brehanu Nega and Birtukan
Mideksa should defend their case in the treason charge. The court ruled
that the council’s decision has a direct cause and effect relationship with the
June 8 and November one disturbances. It also ruled that the prosecutor
has produced sufficient evidence to prove that they have committed treason.
(continued)
Monday, April 02, 2007
Court adjourned for tomorrow
(By Ethio-Zagol)
The court is adjourned again; this time for tomorrow. The briefing continued
today with remaining part of the documentary evidence summarized. The
testimonies of ten witnesses were also summed up. Seventy-nine witnesses
had have testified in the trial. The court said the briefing will continue
tomorrow. The court said it would have continued in the afternoon if one of
the judges hadn't been sick. This was the same reason given on Friday for not
continuing the proceeding in the afternoon. The sick judge is Leul
Gebremariam.(EZ)
Court adjourned for tomorrow
(By Ethio-Zagol)
The court is adjourned again; this time for tomorrow. The briefing continued
today with remaining part of the documentary evidence summarized. The
testimonies of ten witnesses were also summed up. Seventy-nine witnesses
had have testified in the trial. The court said the briefing will continue
tomorrow. The court said it would have continued in the afternoon if one of
the judges hadn't been sick. This was the same reason given on Friday for not
continuing the proceeding in the afternoon. The sick judge is Leul
Gebremariam.(EZ)
Human Rights and Humans Without Rights in
Ethiopia
Alemayehu G. Mariam
Speech given at the University of Minnesota
I believe this conference has enormous practical
significance. It demonstrates to African dictators
that someone is watching them, and that
“someone” is the tip of the spear of the American
intellectual community -- law professors and law
students allied with grassroots human rights
advocates and defenders.....
I have captioned my talk today, “Human Rights
and Humans Without Rights in Ethiopia”.
I have chosen the title advisedly because I
believe the whole human rights issue in Africa has
become a sordid joke to both the old and new
breed of dictators. I have often asked similar
questions. How can the want on killing of 193
peaceful protesters and the wounding of 763
others by Zenawi’s security forces in Ethiopia
“elicit hardly a word of concern let alone
condemnation” from African leaders?(Full Text)
Ethiopia
Alemayehu G. Mariam
Speech given at the University of Minnesota
I believe this conference has enormous practical
significance. It demonstrates to African dictators
that someone is watching them, and that
“someone” is the tip of the spear of the American
intellectual community -- law professors and law
students allied with grassroots human rights
advocates and defenders.....
I have captioned my talk today, “Human Rights
and Humans Without Rights in Ethiopia”.
I have chosen the title advisedly because I
believe the whole human rights issue in Africa has
become a sordid joke to both the old and new
breed of dictators. I have often asked similar
questions. How can the want on killing of 193
peaceful protesters and the wounding of 763
others by Zenawi’s security forces in Ethiopia
“elicit hardly a word of concern let alone
condemnation” from African leaders?(Full Text)
Kinijit Minnesota Support Group had a successful Event
Alyou Tebeje
March 25, 2007
Kinijit Minnesota Support Group had a successful fundraising event on the
24th of March. The members and friends of Kinijit Support Group wish to
extend our heartfelt thanks to all individuals and families who have
contributed to our fundraising night and made the event a success.
Dr. Solomon Gashaw (Chairman Kinijit Minnesota Support Group) gave a
keynote speech; on concerns regarding the Human rights activists, journalists
and opposition party leaders who are unjustly incarcerated by the
government of Ethiopia and he updated us on current situation of Kinijit North
America. Other members also gave a speech. Ato Tefera Kassa read a poem
written by Ashibir Worku about kinijit leaders followed by Ato Fisha Hailu
inspiring poem. Both Ato Ashiber and ato Fisha are members of the Fonte
Tibebe literary group and we thank them for their participation. It was a night
to remember as our community came together enjoyed the evening with
video show, while the evening had a serious purpose, it also had a lot of fun,
. (continued)
Alyou Tebeje
March 25, 2007
Kinijit Minnesota Support Group had a successful fundraising event on the
24th of March. The members and friends of Kinijit Support Group wish to
extend our heartfelt thanks to all individuals and families who have
contributed to our fundraising night and made the event a success.
Dr. Solomon Gashaw (Chairman Kinijit Minnesota Support Group) gave a
keynote speech; on concerns regarding the Human rights activists, journalists
and opposition party leaders who are unjustly incarcerated by the
government of Ethiopia and he updated us on current situation of Kinijit North
America. Other members also gave a speech. Ato Tefera Kassa read a poem
written by Ashibir Worku about kinijit leaders followed by Ato Fisha Hailu
inspiring poem. Both Ato Ashiber and ato Fisha are members of the Fonte
Tibebe literary group and we thank them for their participation. It was a night
to remember as our community came together enjoyed the evening with
video show, while the evening had a serious purpose, it also had a lot of fun,
. (continued)
KSO Reporter
April 2, 2007
By Dr. Solomon Gashaw
On March 23, 2007 Mr. Obang Metho the Director
of Anuak Justice Council gave a public lecture in
Minneapolis at an event organized by Kinjit
Support Group of Minnesota. At the event the
public watched the documentary film Democracy
Betrayed in Ethiopia, which documents the
Massacre of 423 Anuaks civilian in Gamebella by
the Woyanne regime on December 23, 2003.
The film also depicts the euphoric population of
Ethiopians lined up to caste their vote on May
2005 election. An electoral victory won by Kinijit
but denied by Woyanne who instead of
relinquishing power sent the electoral winners of
Kinijit political leaders to jail. (Full Text)
April 2, 2007
By Dr. Solomon Gashaw
On March 23, 2007 Mr. Obang Metho the Director
of Anuak Justice Council gave a public lecture in
Minneapolis at an event organized by Kinjit
Support Group of Minnesota. At the event the
public watched the documentary film Democracy
Betrayed in Ethiopia, which documents the
Massacre of 423 Anuaks civilian in Gamebella by
the Woyanne regime on December 23, 2003.
The film also depicts the euphoric population of
Ethiopians lined up to caste their vote on May
2005 election. An electoral victory won by Kinijit
but denied by Woyanne who instead of
relinquishing power sent the electoral winners of
Kinijit political leaders to jail. (Full Text)
