Ethiopia’s opposition demonstrates demanding release of political leader

By Tesfa-alem Tekle

April 17, 2009 (ADDIS ABABA) — Some 250 supporters of imprisoned opposition leader on Thursday marched in the main streets of Addis Ababa demanding the release of Birtukan Mideksa, leader of Unity for Democracy and Justice (UDJ) party.

Mideksa is serving her life sentence after Ethiopian officials revoked a pardon that freed her last year.

Supporters peacefully marched to the offices of Ethiopian President and to the Prime Minister to present petition for her immediate release.

The Prime minister’s office has rejected their request saying Birtukan was arrested with an intention of ensuring the supremacy of law. However, the office appreciated supporters for holding the rally in a peaceful manner.

This is the first time for opposition parties to stage demonstration since the violent post-2005 election protests that nearly left 200 protesters killed in clashes with government forces.

In her visit abroad the opposition leader told her supporters that she never asked for a pardon grant. She said opposition leaders were freed because the government was in fear of the possible internal and external pressure that could arise.

Birtukan, 36 was re-arrested last December after she denied requesting her pardon. Ethiopian government gave her 3-day period to acknowledge or deny her pardon-request, to which she failed.

According to coordinators of the protest, the aim of Thursday’s demonstration is to publicize the “illegal re-arrest” of the political leader, and for an immediate release and restoration of her pardon.

The head of the Unity for Democracy Justice (UDJ) party had been detained with dozens of opposition figures and supporters following the 2005 elections.

Ethiopia’s next general elections are to be held in June 2010.The ruling Meles party (EPRDF) this week has disclosed that it is working to its utmost to hold a peaceful, fair, free and democratic 2010 election.

(ST)