Siye Abraha, who had been in prison for the last six years due to political reasons, has walked out of prison a few days ago. We all remember that Meles and his rubber stamp parliament came up with a legislation over night just to keep him in prison despite a judge’s order to let him out on bail. We also remember how many times he had to go back and forth between prison and courts for “Yedagnoch alememualat" reasons.
And, finally, the judges “decided” to free him as his sentence is less than the prison time he already served. Are we sympathizing with him? Yes and no. Yes because he was in prison for political reasons and we don’t want to see a soul to go to jail for just holding a different political opinion than the government. Also yes because he was a victim of the bogus judicial system that made a mockery out of him.
But is Siye the only one in Ethiopia who suffered in prison because of his political belief? Absolutely not. As we speak, thousands of Ethiopians are languishing in secret/known prisons with out even having their day in court. There are people from every corner of the country who are in prison for just being suspected of supporting the opposition, be it kinijit or OLF or EPPF or ONLF etc. We don’t hear about them much because they are not famous like Siye and others. We don’t hear about them because they don’t have supporters in or out of the country except their family and friends, who are powerless themselves.
Siye is a victim of the political system that he himself helped to seize power. We hope he had enough time to understand how rotten the country’s political system has become. His recent interview to VOA tigrigna is an indication to that.
We have a message to Siye Supporters:And, finally, the judges “decided” to free him as his sentence is less than the prison time he already served. Are we sympathizing with him? Yes and no. Yes because he was in prison for political reasons and we don’t want to see a soul to go to jail for just holding a different political opinion than the government. Also yes because he was a victim of the bogus judicial system that made a mockery out of him.
But is Siye the only one in Ethiopia who suffered in prison because of his political belief? Absolutely not. As we speak, thousands of Ethiopians are languishing in secret/known prisons with out even having their day in court. There are people from every corner of the country who are in prison for just being suspected of supporting the opposition, be it kinijit or OLF or EPPF or ONLF etc. We don’t hear about them much because they are not famous like Siye and others. We don’t hear about them because they don’t have supporters in or out of the country except their family and friends, who are powerless themselves.
Siye is a victim of the political system that he himself helped to seize power. We hope he had enough time to understand how rotten the country’s political system has become. His recent interview to VOA tigrigna is an indication to that.
Because he is out of prison now doesn’t mean justice has prevailed in the country. You have to work hard to make sure no one ever goes to prison for political reasons. You have to work hard to make sure the voices of the voiceless be heard. It is not time to hang the “mission accomplished” sign and go home. The real fight of ensuring a real democracy is ahead of you. Your loyalty should be for the prevalence of democracy in your country not just for a single individual. We hope you understand that and join the rest of us in the struggle for a democratic Ethiopia for all.
1 comment:
Respectable detail analysis from your point of view Mr or Miss, however he was a criminal as any EPRDF members. His interview was very polite and he learned what really democracy is in prison but does any one think he will exercises what he learn from prison? From my point of view absolutely NOT! Why that is up to you!
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