The Regime of Meles Zenawi in Ethiopia is incarcerating opposition party leaders, and Democracy activist, using the draconian anti-terrorist law

The Honorable John Baird

Minister of Foreign Affairs

125 Sussex Drive

Ottawa, Ontario

K1A 0G2

September, 17, 2011

Dear Minister Baird

Re: The Regime of Meles Zenawi in Ethiopia is incarcerating opposition party leaders, and Democracy activist, using the draconian anti-terrorist law. The latest Victims are Legendary Ethiopian Film actor/comedian Debebe Eshetu, Journalist Eskender Nega. 

We, members of Unity for Human Rights and Democracy Toronto, would like to bring to your attention the recent unjust imprisonment of leading political figures and journalist in Ethiopia under a false pretext of terrorism. The detained include two Swedish journalists and three local journalists, three prominent leaders of the largest opposition alliance “Mederk,” the famous actor, director a human right activist and alumni of York University Debebe Eshetu, Journalist Eskender Nega, Mr. Bekele Gerba, Mr. Olbana Lelisa, Mr. Amdualem Arageie and 29 other members of opposition parties. It should be recalled as you are very aware with the case of Mr. Bashir Makthal which he is still languishing in prison.

The draconian anti-terrorist law, under which Mr Eshetu and others are held, has been proclaimed since 2009. This law was opposed by the international and local human right organizations including the government of Canada. The legislation purposely employs wide vague and misleading definitions of terrorist and terrorism and is tailored to be used against any person the government targets for any other cause. For instance the legislation criminalized “thinking of supporting” an organization which the regime deems terrorist. Save as this instance, thinking unaccompanied by any manifest action has never been used as a sole element of a criminal offence in any other jurisdiction. The nature of the law and its recent application therefore strongly indicate that, the law is lest related to terrorism and is mainly aimed at suppression of decent.

Before the recent crackdown and following the proclamation of the draconian legislation the regime has organized seminars for all levels of the judiciary. During these seminars, judges were told in no uncertain terms, that the anti-terrorist law is to be enforced stringently with no lenience shown to any one accused under it. Similarly political motivated trials in the past also indicate that, the judiciary in Ethiopia is neither independent nor impartial. In the last twenty years no person accused of an offence in relation to his political activities has received a favorable ruling. Simply put, the justice system is manipulated controlled and directed by the regime.

These and many other particulars hence constrained us to conclude, Mr Eshetu and others will not be tried on facts and laws but have already been convicted by the regime and trials will only serve to give an air of legality  to the sham process. Considering the above facts and circumstances and Canada’s unwavering support for democratic reforms and rule of law in Ethiopia we implore upon you and your good office to consider taking the following majors.

To express your concern to the regime of Mr. Meles Zenawi, officials and their diplomatic missions here in Canada.

To denounce the illegal detentions and inhuman treatment of prisoners and request their   unconditional release.

To condition, Canada’s assistance on a meaningful democratic reforms that includes the opposition parties, and make a serious consideration withholding the assistance if the regime refuses to address these flagrant injustices.

Sincerely,

Yousuf Omer

President