Document - Ethiopia: Further information on detention without charge / fear of torture or ill-treatment
PUBLIC AI Index: AFR 25/035/2006
2 November 2006
Further Information on UA 233/06 (AFR 25/025/2006, 30 August 2006) Detention without charge /Fear of torture or ill-treatment
ETHIOPIA Belama Nigga (m) ]
Chale Nigga (f) ]
Gaddise Dagafa (f) ]
Imabet Taressa (f) ] High School students
Tadalu Nigga (f) ]
Tafarra Galasaa (m) ]
Zannu Nigga (f) ]
Irena Iticha (m), Oromo National Congress member of parliament
Dejene Chimdi (m)
At least two people aged over 70
Other civilians from the Tukur Inchinni district, Oromia region
Amnesty International has learnt that those named above, who were among some 250 people arrested for political reasons in Tukur Inchinni district of the Oromia Region on 30 August, were released on bail in October without being charged. There are no indications as to whether charges will be brought against them in the near future for eventual trial. All those arrested on 30 August have reportedly been similarly provisionally released. Amnesty International believes appeals from the UA network contributed greatly to the release of the group.
Amnesty International believes the group was arrested for suspected links with the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), which they denied. The Ethiopian government has been engaged in an ongoing conflict with the OLF since 1993. In the last two years, there have been several similar incidents of arbitrary detentions in the Oromia Region. There have been reports that some of those detained have been tortured or even killed.