by Getahune Bekele, South Africa
Despite the ongoing assault on political parties, religious institutions, journalists and perceived or real members of any
Daniel Tefera
opposition group by Ethiopia’s ruling minority junta security apparatus, one of the main opposition parties, UDJP, Unity for Democracy and Justices, is still commemorating prisoners of consciousness by organizing a splendid candle light gathering on the third day of every month in Ethiopia to show the incarcerated brave souls utmost consideration and courtesy.
Since its establishment on 20 June 2008, UDJP has produced great revolutionaries who are currently languishing in jail or banished in to exile, people like the famous young patriot Andualem Arage, a man of great courage and noble spirit.
Speaking to the March issue of Finotenetsanet newspaper, the party’s chief public relations officer Ato Daniel Tefera (pictured) said the struggle to free Ethiopia from dictatorial rule by peaceful means is advancing well and his party expects a positive result.
“Arresting citizens for demanding religious freedom or other rights had been common in the past 50 years in this country. We are working to end this flagrant violation once and for all. We are steadfast in our demand for the immediate release of those jailed in relation with the freedom of worship. UDJP believes they are also prisoners of consciousness.” Daniel Tefera added.
Lamenting the extremely difficult working condition due to tight control and heavy restrictions, the articulate Daniel Tefera said the party is using its head quarters in Addis Ababa as community hall to interact with the population, encouraging them to conquer fear and stand firm on their various demands.
Asked by Finotenetsanet to comment on the current state of the nation the public relations chief of UDJP replied…
“It is very difficult to explain because citizens are labeled terrorists for demanding certain rights. For example, our Muslim brothers who were arrested and charged for simply demanding freedom of worship have been tried and convicted by the government media. Journalists are being charged with terrorism and sent to jail for writing issues close to the heart of the people. Some have already left the country…and they are still leaving…”
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