Chris Flaherty, who has tirelessly been fighting for the unconditional release of Birtukan Mideksa, and highlighting the gross human rights violations in Ethiopia, will go on hunger strike in front of the White House beginning Monday May 3rd. Given that the tightly-controlled election in Ethiopia is only weeks away, all able Ethiopians are strongly encouraged to join Chris in this noble cause.
Chris, whose acclaimed film includes The Migration of Beauty, called on Ethiopians in the US to do more for the reign of democracy and justice in their native country.
“How many Ethiopian Americans do I see in front of the Ethiopian Embassy protesting? When did the last happen? Once a candle light vigil in front of the White House doesn’t mean very much, doesn’t grab any attention in the media,” Chris said.
He highlighted the power of the media in helping achieve democracy. He cited the civil rights movement in the US in the ’60s, and the anti-Apartheid movement in South Africa. He said he will go on hunger strike on May 3rd, and expected to be joined by other Ethiopian American activists to help bring the plight in Ethiopia to the attention of the international community via the media.
