Leaders of Kinijit for Unity and Democracy Party participated in the May 2005
election in good faith. The election gave a glimmer of hope to the Ethiopian
people. On the other hand to avenge its defeat, EPRDF accused the leaders
with treason and genocide and detained them. Though Ethiopia is signatory to a
number of human rights conventions, our leaders are denied of their basic
human and democratic rights.
April 7, Saturday morning Muluneh Eyouel, the Secretary General of the Kinijit
Party was taken from Kaliti prison to Kerchele prison where he is confined to a
dark room. He was told that he is being punished for using his native Kembata
language to communicate with his family. Muluneh was additionally accused of
being a ring leader of the prisoners, dressing a t-shirt with the Kinijit logo and
harassing the group which is trying to establish the surrogate Kinijit party.
In protest to the inhuman and illegal treatment, Muluneh has decided to go on
hunger strike. His comrades in the Kaliti prison, in writing, requested the
condition and whereabouts of Muluneh. On Saturday the 15th of April they were
summoned and told that this is not their business and should not raise issues
such as this. They were sternly warned of the consequences that would follow
if they do not refrain from asking about Muluneh’s safety. They were warned
that any attempt to go on hunger strike will result in swift punishment. The
punishment is denial of drinking water and solitary confinement, like Muluneh.
The Kinijit leaders will be on hunger strike starting Monday the 17th of April
until Thursday April 20. The Kinijit leaders are very concerned about the
whereabouts and safety of Muluneh.
We appeal to the Ethiopian people, human rights organizations and foreign
embassies and governments, especially those close to the Meles’ regime to look
into the matter very seriously. The government must be pressured to stop the
ill-treatment of the detained leaders. The EPRDF government will be held
responsible for any damage to the health and well being of Muluneh and the
other Kinijit leaders. The Ehtiopain people are watching this incident with
concern. Abuse of the human rights of the prisoners will only further poison the
environment and complicate the problem.
Kinijit for Unity and Democracy Party
April 18, 2006, ADDIS ABABA
