The United States Calls for release of politicians, journalists imprisoned in Ethiopia

ESAT News (January 14, 2016)

The United States today called for the release of political prisoners and journalists in Ethiopia. The statement released by the department of state in connection with the ongoing protest in the Oromia region of Ethiopia called “for the release of those imprisoned for exercising their rights, such as political party leaders and journalists.”

“The United States is increasingly concerned by the continued stifling of independent voices in Ethiopia, including the detention of Oromo political party leaders. These arrests have a chilling effect on much needed public consultations to resolve legitimate political grievances in Oromia,” the statement said.

“We reaffirm our call on the Ethiopian Government to refrain from silencing dissent and to protect the constitutionally enshrined rights of all citizens, including the right to gather peacefully, to write, and to speak freely as voices of a diverse nation.”