May 16, 2001

ARBTIRARY ARRESTS STILL CONTINUING

 Reprots reaching SOCEPP from Addis Abeba, Gondar, Jimma ans Bahr Dar indicate that government security men in civilian cloths are arresting people on the street and taking them into custody. An undeclared hunt for suspects seems to be in course and some of the security men have been seen checking photos in their possessions as they apprehended people. Most of the arrested are youths, the same reports reveal, and also affirm that people are avoiding gathering in threes or fours as this would attract the attention of the security men and lead to possible arrest.

Professor Mesfin Wolde Mariam and Dr. Berhanu Nega, the academics detained by the police, are continuing with their hunger strike. The health condition of the 71 years old professor (Dr. Berhanu also has blood pressure problems) is deteriorating and worrying his relatives and the people at large. Repeated calls for the release of the two continue to be ignored by the Meles Zenawi government. It is to be noted that the two were brought before a court of law (and denied bail) to give the government the ground to pretend that it adheres to due process of law while hundreds of prisoners (including members of legal opposition parties) are being kept in detention (and in deplorable condition) without ever being brought before a court of law.

Vigorous calls for the release of all the arrested should be sent to Prime Minister Meles Zenawi (p.o.box 1031,Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. Fax no. 251-1-552020).

SOCEPP