Human rights abuse will increase public anger

Kinijit Press Release

April 20, 2006

"The Meles regime knows perfectly that the experience and long record of the opposition leadership put violently by him in jail fully demonstrate that their core values have always been to bring democratic transition and transformation to Ethiopia..." Network of Ethiopian Scholars (NES): February 21, 2006

April 7, Saturday morning Muluneh Eyouel, the Secretary General of the Kinijit Party was taken from Kaliti prison to Kerchele prison where he is confined to a dark room. He was told that he is being punished for using his native Kembata language to communicate with his family. Muluneh was additionally accused of being a ring leader of the prisoners, dressing a t-shirt with the Kinijit logo and harassing the group which is trying to establish the surrogate Kinijit party.

In protest to the inhuman and illegal treatment, Muluneh has decided to go on hunger strike. His comrades in the Kaliti prison, in writing, requested the condition and whereabouts of Muluneh. On Saturday the 15th of April they were summoned and told that this is not their business and should not raise issues such as this. They were sternly warned of the consequences that would follow if they do not refrain from asking about Muluneh’s safety. They were warned that any attempt to go on hunger strike will result in swift punishment. The punishment is denial of drinking water and solitary confinement, like Muluneh. The Kinijit leaders will be on hunger strike starting Monday the 17th of April until Thursday April 20. The Kinijit leaders are very concerned about the whereabouts and safety of Muluneh.

We appeal to the Ethiopian people, human rights organizations and foreign embassies and governments, especially those close to the Meles’ regime to look into the matter very seriously. The government must be pressured to stop the ill-treatment of the detained leaders. The EPRDF government will be held responsible for any damage to the health and well being of Muluneh and the other Kinijit leaders. The Ehtiopain people are watching this incident with concern. Abuse of the human rights of the prisoners will only further poison the environment and complicate the problem.

Kinijit for Unity and Democracy Party
April 18, 2006, ADDIS ABABA