September 26/2000

RELEASE ABA AMHAYESUS NOW !

Aba Amhayesus, a monk,was arrested by the government police in Gondar town on September 7/1993. His detention followed the killing of more than 18 people by the police at the Adebabaye Iyesus church. The police were trying to arrest the monk and to stop him from preaching to the people. Aba Amhayesus subsequently " disappeared " and then reappeared in 1997 at the congested central prison of Gondar.

 Accused of inciting people to violence, he was brought to court but never given due process or sentenced. To compound his case, the head of the Ethiopian Tewahido Church, Abune Paulos, told a church publication (Zena Betekirstian) that Aba Amhayesus belonged to the opposition EPRP.

 It was obvious that the government intended to cover up its repression and denial of religious freedom by tying the monk to the outlawed political organization. Aba Amhayesus is still in prison. The government has refused to set up an investigative committee into the massacre of 18 people at the Adebabaye Iyesus church in September 1993. SOCEPP calls for the immediate release of Aba Amhayesus who has been illegally jailed for the last seven years.

 Release Aba Amhayesus Now !

Bring to trial those responsible for the massacre at Adebaye Iyesus !

SOCEPP