WAITING FOR JUSTICE: The Continued Imprisonment of Daniel Bekele and Netsanet Demissie

In May 2006, members of opposition politicians, journalists and civil society leaders stood accused of a range of charges from genocide to treason. Civic society leaders Mr Daniel Bekele & Mr Netsanet Demissie were among hundreds who were detained in Qaliti prison following post election protests (national elections held 15 May 2005). On 12 June 2007, Daniel and Netsanet along with scores of others were instructed by the court to present their defense.

Amnesty International believes that Daniel Bekele and Netsanet Demissie are Prisoners of Conscience who should NOT be facing these charges. Prior to their imprisonment, Daniel served as a Policy Manager at Action Aid Ethiopia while Netsanet Demissie was an environmental and human rights lawyer and Executive Director of the Organization for Social Justice in Ethiopia.

The court is adjourned to reconvene on 22 November where a final verdict is expected.  We, at Qaliti Qalkidan, are disappointed with the apparently endless adjournments in the trial of Daniel Bekele and Netsanet Demissie and their continued.  Now that the appointed date is imminent, it is our hope that the Ethiopian authorities will take action to unconditionally release these civic society leaders.

Qaliti Qalkidan urges the Ethiopian communities and advocates of liberty around the world to show their support and solidarity to Daniel, Netsanet and many other prisoners of conscience. Your support is invaluable at this difficult time.

Please sign the petition for the release of Daniel Bekele and Netsanet Demissie at http://www.petitiononline.com/Dannetsa/petition.html