Wednesday, August 15, 2007

THE REPRESSION IN THE OGADEN MUST BE STOPPED

Solidarity Committee for Ethiopian Political Prisoners (SOCEPP), August 14/2007

The regime in Addis Ababa is benefitting from the diplomatic and political support of certain countries that have liked its role as a foot soldier in the so called "war on terror" and it has taken this opportunity to spread terror among the people in Ethiopia. One of the main targets of its wrath are the Ethiopian Somalis living in the Ogaden.

Alleging that it is trying to stamp out an insurgency waged by the Ogaden National Liberation Front and claiming (for the benefit of the West) that the ONLF is allied with the Islamic Courts Militia in Somalia (where the troops of Meles Zenawi are waging a brutal war as an invading force), the soldiers of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi are virtually on a rampage--burning settlements, shooting down cattle and camels, killing innocent civilians. Reports coming from the area highlight gross violation of rights. The regime has expelled the Red Cross from the area and restricted journalists from going to the front to report on what is going on. This is a situation that the ruling front loves with passion-- to commit atrocities away from the public eye. But its crimes have not been covered up.

Certain actions of the ONLF have also been severely criticised.Yet,the main responsibility falls on the regime as its counter insurgency has proved to be nothing less or more than brutality and terror on the people at large. It is worse than its action in Mogadishu and deserves vigorous condemnaton.
SOCEPP calls on peace loving people to call for the immediate cessation of the State Terror against the people in the Ogaden. SOCEPP calls on all Ethiopians to oppose the actions of the regime against the Somalis in the Ogaden. Insurgency is not crushed by indiscriminate violence against innocent people. On the contrary, such violence fans more resistance and compounds the initial problem to no end.
STOP THE REPRESSION AND VIOLENCE IN THE OGADEN!


INJUSTICE ANYWHERE IS INJUSTICE EVERYWHERE
SOCEPP, POSTFACH 51213, BERLIN 13372,GERMANY
E MAIL: SOCEPP @AOL.COM
WEB SITE: WWW.SOCEPP.DE

Posted on 14 August 2007 @ 22:59

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