Luxury | May 23, 2013 Birtukan Mideksa: Refusing a ‘diminished self’ By Harvard Gazette May 23, 2013 Before her ordeal in a solitary confinement, Birtukan was undoubtedly regarded by the Ethiopian people as the much sought-after leader whose party would bring down the tyrannical regime of Meles Zenawi and propel the country into a democratic society. Such hope was cut short when the regime threw Birtukan and opposition leaders into jail, and tore her party to pieces. The regime feared Birtukan because her popular support was unmatched by any one both at home and in the diaspora. Here in the photo, the current Harvard fellow is seen being welcomed in Seattle, Washington State, in December 2008, shortly after her release from nearly two years in prison. (Ethiomedia) • On political taboos and woos Ethiopian activist Bogaletch Gebre wins King Bedouin Prize
