To: The Second Circuit Federal High Court;
TO: The Prosecuting Attorney;
And To: Ethiopian Ministry of Justice
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
EACH and ALL OF YOU, PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that we, the alleged defendants numbered 40-69, in
the above captioned action appear only for the limited purpose of submitting this response to the baseless, frivolous,
and completely fabricated allegations lodged against us by the current Ethiopian government. Please be
strongly advised that by appearing herein, for limited purposes, WE DO NOT WAIVE any present or future
challenges, including but not limited to, sufficiency of service, the courts jurisdiction over alleged defendants,
proper venue of action, legitimacy or qualification of the tribunal or presiding judges, defenses, or any procedural
or substantive grounds of the allegations against us.
We, majority of the alleged defendants, are law abiding and democratic patriots living and working outside of
Ethiopia. We did not advocate, engaged, supported, or joined in any unlawful activities abroad or in Ethiopia.
We are merely exercising our constitutional and global human rights of freedom of speech. Although majority
of us align ourselves with groups and parties struggling for peace, democracy and justice in a non-violence
movement, we did not take part or encouraged any individual, group, or party to engage in violence against persons
or property.
Therefore, the current Ethiopian government’s allegation that we aided and abetted in the post election violence,
genocide, treason lacks sheer basis in law or fact. As extensively documented by objective and neutral
media outlets, and international human rights and other observers, it is the EPRDF regime that engaged in callous
killings of unarmed civilians including children, women, and the elderly-both prior and subsequent to the
May election.
Consequently, for violence, loss of lives, and property EPDRF is solely responsible, not the opposition party
members or the Diaspora, or the alleged defendants.
Undisputedly, this court has been engaged in flagrant violation of the constitution by denying citizens a right to
bail, failed to free citizens detained absent probable cause or warrant, and denied defendants’ right to counsel.
Accordingly, we have agreed that further participation in this illegitimate and unfair judicial proceeding will
only give the court a semblance of legitimacy. In other words, we will not appear in this court and justify injustice.
Notwithstanding our position regarding this court or the judiciary in general, we hereby respectfully demand the
following from the court:
The immediate and unconditional dismissal of all the fabricated charges against us and order the prosecutor
to issue a public apology to all defendants;
The immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, including, publicly elected officials, journalists,
students and others in detention without further delay; and,
The court on its own motion summons, or the attorney general charges the current Ethiopian top officials, the
actual responsible parties, with genocide, treason, and abuse of power.
EXECUTED at N. America and Europe on this day of February 23, 2006.
DEFENDANTS # 40-69
