The Horn Times Newsletter 11 March 2013
by Getahune Bekele, South Africa
by Getahune Bekele, South Africa
 |
| Daniel Tefera |
Despite the ongoing assault on political parties, religious institutions, journalists and perceived or real members of any
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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