One value that true sons and daughters of Ethiopia should uphold is the determination not to betray
those who stand up for justice and democracy. At a time when those who were sent to prison have
selflessly sacrificed everything for the future of their fellow brothers and sisters, standing up for justice
should be every freedom loving Ethiopian’s unavoidable duty. There is nothing more sacred and
virtuous than to give up one self for others. In recognition of this spirit, we shouldn’t allow the plight
of the principled men and women in jail to gradually fade from our collective memory. We should
continuously renew the intensity of the movement to get these heroes out of jail and usher a new era of
unity and democracy in Ethiopia.

We have learned, through painful sacrifice, sobering lessons in which the Woyane has successfully
debilitated charismatic challengers by slowly sucking the life out of them. By extending the time in
which these people are kept in jail, and through mental torture, the Woyane believes that it can
effectively quell the Ethiopian people’s desire for change. We shouldn’t allow this to happen again.

Precious time is passing by. We have to strengthen the struggle and continue the quest for better
governance. It is time that we reassess our strategy. Those who were thrown in jail are suffering as a
result of their determination to create a bright future for our children and us. Let us have the courage
to feel their pain, desire, hope and aspirations. Their gentle, hopeful and determined dignity should
inspire us all to do more. They are the symbols of our hope and it is our duty to safeguard, protect,
nurture and liberate this hope by standing together, as one.

We should recognize that everyday that passes presents a grave danger to Ethiopia and Ethiopians.
Even though their mental and spiritual capacity is gaining strength, the physical well being of our
beloved leaders is in jeopardy. They know that the spirit of their struggle will rise up, but we shouldn’t
give time for the Woyane monsters to gradually steal them away from us. We should say enough to
the silly compromises brokered by Westerners at the expense of real democracy. There must be no
dealing with anybody under any circumstances when the people’s leaders are still in jail. The
prisoners of conscience must be free. Pretending to run a democratic system when innocent people are
subjected to injustice is an insult to all humanity. Those who support this drama, directly or indirectly,
from outside and within, without questioning the injustice should examine their conscience.

Many Ethiopians are contributing their share but need to do more. Those who are showing
indifference to this injustice and the impassive elite within Ethiopia and abroad should start making the
necessary sacrifice expected of them. The elected members who entered parliament should wake up
and stop making fools out of themselves. There is nothing more disgusting than to see grown-up men
grovel in the name of democracy. They should know, after all, that democracy means standing up for
everybody’s rights whether you agree with them or not. You cannot gain democracy by loosing your
dignity. The prisoners of conscience have given their lives to Ethiopia. Those of us who have the
opportunity shouldn’t let them down for temporary comfort and convenience.