Ethiopia: Lawyer for Dr. Merara Gudina arrested

 

ESAT News (December 16, 2016)gudina

Security forces detained a lawyer for Dr. Merara Gudina, chairman of the Oromo Federalist Congress, who is held in solitary confinement.

Taba Chufa, a lawyer for several political prisoners, was jailed in Ambo, the Chair of OFC’s International Support Coordinator, Negeso Ada told ESAT on Friday. Ada said Chufa represents at least 300 political prisoners.

Dr. Gudina was put behind bars upon his return from Europe where he  testified against government’s repression at the European Parliament.

His other lawyer, Dr. Yacob Hailemariam, who met his client briefly told  reporters that Gudina, who was brought to him handcuffed, was held in solitary confinement. He said his client still doesn’t know his charges.

A member of the European Parliament on Wednesday addressed his case and called for the European Union to end its complicity with the Ethiopian regime that kills peaceful protesters and jails journalists and political opponents.

Mrs. Ana Gomes said the regime call political opponents “terrorists” while it is the real “terrorist.”