Prof. Mesfin nominated for Sakharov Prize

Make Dictatorship History (MDH) press release
September 08, 2006 | September 8, 2006

"Amnesty International considers opposition leaders, journalists and human rights defenders such as Prof. Mesfin Woldemariam -- arrested in connection with demonstrations in November 2005 -- as prisoners of conscience who have not used or advocated violence and calls on the Ethiopian government to release them immediately and unconditionally." - Amnesty International: May 16, 2006

Professor Mesfin's nomination constitutes a recognition of his life-long work in favour of respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, the rule of law, democratic change in Ethiopia. In 1991, he founded the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO), the first organisation of its type in the history of the country, and served as its elected chair for over a decade.

Most recently, Professor Mesfin Wolde-Mariam moved to the political arena and advocated change through free and fair elections. The participation of over 90% of eligible voters in the May 2005 elections was, indeed, a historic event that demonstrated the commitment of the Ethiopian people for democratic and peaceful change as advocated by Professor Mesfin.

Following the protests and repression in the aftermath of the May elections that were widely denounced as not free and fair by international observers, Professor Mesfin was arrested on November 1, 2005 and remains in detention along with elected members of parliament, other political leaders, human rights defenders, journalists, civil society activists and ordinary citizens.

Other than Professor Mesfin, this year's Sakharov Prize nominees include Ms Ingrid Betancourt of Colombia and Ms Somaly Mam from Cambodia. Ingrid Betancourt, the Colombian Senator and presidential candidate, who is mainly known for her fight against corruption, was kidnapped in February 2002 while campaigning for election and is still held by rebels.

Ms. Somaly Mam is the founder of Acting for Women in Distressing Situations (AFESIP), an NGO founded in 1997 to rescue girls and young women from prostitution and socially reintegrate them. Despite threats against her, Somaly Mam has been able to help thousands of young girls and teenagers who have been coerced into prostitution.

The indidividual receipient of the Sakharov Prize will be recognized in December 2006. Meanwhile, we would like to take the opportunity to extend our best wishes to Professor Mesfin Wolde-Mariam, and congratulate and honour all the candidates for their commitments and achievements.

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