November 18, 2005

The EPRDF regime in Ethiopia has stepped up the repression against the people as the following facts show:

More opposition CUDP leaders (including Yishak Kifle (and supporters have been rounded up in Addis Ababa and other places;

Some 20 people have been shot dead in Kebri Dehar in what the regime claims to have been an attempted prison break and others say was cold blooded murder of opposition ONLF detainees;

Opposition leaders remain illegally behind bars without being charged though the regime’s strong man, PM Meles Zenawi has overstepped legality and accused them of treason.

The four month baby of UEDF leader Dereje has been killed by security men who stormed his house looking for him;

From all over the country reports of human rights violations continue to be reported as the free press stays muzzled with only three pro regime papers allowed to get printed;

Security forces continue to search for civic association and opposition leaders in accord with an arbitrary wanted list.

 

Thousands of people continue to be held in deplorable conditions though the regime claims it has released many thousands. Relatives of the disappeared have not been able to get any news while the Red Cross has been barred from visiting detention centers, some in malaria infested and swampy areas. The climate of fear and terror that grips Addis Ababa and other towns highlights the gross violation of rights that is continuing without any let up as the regime tries to stifle all peaceful dissent and "break the opposition".

SOCEPP demands the immediate release of the illegally held political leaders and all other political prisoners.

The regime should be made to stop the gross violation of rights, end the repression and respect the vote of the people.