Ethiopia:Further information on possible prisoners of conscience/fear of torture or ill-treatment/health concern: Detainees on hunger strike

Index Number: AFR 25/020/2005
Date Published: 6 December 2005
Categories: Africa, Ethiopia

The police have now detained over 40 people (including Hailu Shawel, Professor Mesfin Woldemariam, Birtukun Mideksa, Dr Berhanu Negga, Getachew Mengiste, Gizachew Shifferaw, Dr Hailu Araya, Dr Yacob Hailemariam, Debebe Eshetu, Muluneh Eyual, Daniel Bekele) whose names had been published on a "wanted" list of 58 people on 7 November. They are accused of violent conspiracy, in connection with demonstrations against alleged election fraud. The detainees have told journalists who were allowed to speak to them in custody that there is no basis for these accusations.