Ethiopian opposition dismisses plot allegations
April 29, 2009 (ADDIS ABABA) — Ethiopian opposition group, Ginbot 7- Movement for Justice, Freedom and Democracy, has rejected coup plot accusation by the Ethiopian government describing it as “baseless and total fabrications.”
Ethiopian security forces in a crackdown arrested 35 people on Friday, accusing them of being part of “a terror network”. During the raid at their homes police seized weapons, bombs, landmines, soldier uniforms and their future plans.
In a statement, the little known opposition group, Ginbot 7 said it is hardly surprised by the accusations, given the ruling parties usual groundless allegations.
“This latest claim of foiling a coup plot by Ginbot 7 is no different than the regime’s same old worn out practices of criminalizing political dissent,” the party led by Dr. Birhanu Nega said in a statement.
“Ginbot 7 has no desire to engage in a tit for tat with neither the dictators in Addis Ababa, nor the time to waste replying to baseless accusations by a regime that rules Ethiopia by the barrel of the gun,” it added.
Berhanu was elected Mayor of Addis Ababa in 2005 but was arrested and imprisoned for two years with other members of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy party (CUD) on charges of treason. Later in 2007 he, along with many opposition leaders were released on pardon after which he went to the United States where he now works as a university economics professor.
The group in its statement said it remains committed to work for the establishment of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law in Ethiopia.
“No amount of scurrilous accusations, threats or blackmail by the regime will deter us from pursuing the cause of democracy and freedom”, it added.
According to government sources the suspects include former government soldiers and civil servants; they are accused of plotting terrorist activities and conspiring to change government unconstitutionally.
Suspects on Monday appeared on court but it was adjourned to a period of 14 days after prosecutors request more time for further investigation.
The group is termed “Ginbot 7” (or “15 May”), in reference to the date polls opened in the country’s 2005 election where post election violence left nearly 200 protesters killed.
(ST)