SEATTLE – Birtukan Midkesa is in solitary confinement in Kaliti, on the outskirts of Addis Ababa. But thousands of miles away in American cities, the prominent Ethiopian opposition leader is attracting more young, professional supporters who are determined to fight for her release as well as the freedom of thousands of other political prisoners. Seattle’s UDJ support group has the story:
In an illustrative event that can easily be termed as more than a vigil light, more than a gathering, and more than a simple renewal of commitment and alliance to the struggle for Democracy in Ethiopia, the residents of Emerland city Seattle gathered at Garfield Community Center Sunday afternoon, and the Seattlites, once more, vigorously vowed not to rest, falter, or waver until Judge Birtukan and thousands of other political prisoners are released from the dungeons of the dictatorial regime of Ethiopia. Sunday’s event or meeting stands out as unique from several other events held in Seattle because the attendees were diverse in age, gender, and views.
The UDJDAS/Unity for Democracy and Justice Development Association of Seattle organized and hosted the meeting. The gathering began by listening to songs commemorating the unjustly imprisoned chairperson, Judge Birtukan Midekssa. Then, the attendees volunteered to read various poems and written materials in honor of Judge Birtukan. The Meeting officially opened by the brief welcoming remark of the Chapter’s executive committee member and secretary Ato Kirubeal Bekele. After Ato Kirbueal’s opening remarks, the Chapter’s elected Chairman Ato Muluneh Yohannes gave a detailed report of the Chapter’s achievements, challenges, and expectations.
Upon the annual report by the Chairman, the UDJDAS executive members nominated and recommended several new Board Members to replace ones who are not able to fulfill their duties because of various reasons. The general assembly and the attendees heard the nominees brief biographical and dedication to the Chapter and to UDJ. The nominees were all confirmed without any objection to join the Andinet Seattle Board.
The main event, the vigil light and honoring Judge Birtukan Midekssa, began by a vigil light and several speeches by various members and supporters about the Chairperson. Among the speakers were, Gasha for Ethiopia chairman Sultan Alene, and Ethiomedia’s founder and Editor-in-Chief Abraha Belai gave a heartfelt testimonial regarding Judge Birtukan Midekessa. The testimonials included but not limited to Judge Birtukan’s commitment to justice, call for unity and love among Ethiopians. The several speakers who spoke at the event today promised to keep the flame of the struggle burning and alive until Ethiopia and Ethiopians are free of injustice and dictatorship.
All the attendees, in unison, got of their chairs and held the candle light up to remember and renew their commitment to the struggle for justice, Democracy and release of the unjustly imprisoned leader. Furthermore, the attendees on their own initiative and accord gathered several hundreds of dollars to assist Judge Birtukan Midkessa’s family members back in Ethiopia. The gathering was more than a simple vigil light for the spirit, unity, and air of camaraderie in the room can undeniably be seen and felt by the attendees.
Seattle, once again, gathered and honored, and renewed its commitment and dedication to eradicate injustice, dictatorship and unfairness for the homeland. The UDJDAS has done, as in the past, an impeccable job in organizing an event highly successful, motivational and exemplary.
