Ethiopia’s SNNP Pardons over 3,000 Prisoners

By Tesfa-alem Teckle

September 27, 2009 (ADDIS ABABA) — Ethiopia’s Southern Nations and Nationalists and Peoples state (SNNP) on Sunday releases 3,535 prisoners from various detention centers of the region, in connection with ‘Meskel’, a religious holiday.

In a statement, SNNP regional president, Shiferaw Shugute said that the prisoners were set free based on conditions set on Federal and regional constitution.

Prison term reduction is also granted to 13 prisoners.

The prisoners were pardoned based on the deep regret they showed, the good behavior they displayed while in prison and also considering their length of stay and old ages. They have all served at least half of their prison terms. But the amnesty grant does not include to those who are jailed on rape, murder or other serious crimes.

Shiferaw called on the freed prisoners to learn from past mistakes and to take part actively in the economic and developmental endeavors of the country and be exemplary citizens

Two weeks ago, Ethiopia’s regional states of Oromiya and Amhara, in a similar move, freed 9,612 prisoners, including 391 women on amnesty in connection with the New Year.

Ethiopians are today celebrating Meskel, the finding of the true cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified.

Late Yesterday, tens of thousands of Ethiopians including government officials, ambassadors and diplomatic corps gather at the capital’s Maskal Square to celebrate, Demera, eve of the founding of the true cross.

A grand bonfire was lit by the Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Abune Paulos.

Meskel, in the Ethiopian Orthodox church, is an annual religious holiday commemorating the discovery of the True Cross by Queen Eleni (Saint Helena) in the fourth century. Meskel occurs on 17 Meskerem in the Ethiopian calendar (27 September, Gregorian calendar, or 28 September in leap years). “Meskel”, means cross.

The Meskel celebration includes the burning of a large bonfire, or Demera, based on the belief that Queen Eleni had a revelation in a dream. She was told that she shall make a bonfire and that the smoke would show her where the true cross was buried.

Demera-procession takes place in the early evening the day before Meskel or on the day itself, according to local traditions. The firewood is decorated with daisies prior to the celebration. Afterwards, charcoal from the remains of the fire is collected and used by the faithful to mark their foreheads with the shape of a cross.

(ST)