Document - Ethiopia: Further information on Prisoner of Conscience

PUBLIC AI Index: AFR 25/003/2008

01 April 2008

Further Information on UA 299/07 (AFR 25/027/2007, 09 November 2007, AFR 25/001/2008, 9 January 2008) – Prisoner of conscience

ETHIOPIA Daniel Bekele (m), policy manager of the Ethiopian office of ActionAid (international development NGO), lawyer

Netsanet Demissie (m), director of NGO Organization for Social Justice in Ethiopia

Human rights activists Daniel Bekele and Netsanet Demissie were released on 28 March 2008, after being detained in Ethiopia since November 2005. The two men were released following a presidential pardon after they signed a letter “acknowledging mistakes” committed in relation to the 2005 elections. It is not yet clear if the pardon is unconditional.

Amnesty International considered both men to have been prisoners of conscience, detained and convicted solely for their peaceful work as human rights defenders. They were arrested during major political unrest following the national elections of May 2005. There were demonstrations in Addis Ababa in June and November 2005 protesting at alleged election fraud. The demonstrations were violently dispersed and security forces shot dead 187 people. Six police officers were killed.

No further action is required. Many thanks to all those who sent appeals.