Eskinder Nega was arrested on the 14th September 2011, shortly after the Ethiopian New Year, for giving speeches and writing articles criticizing the government and requesting it to respect the right of freedom of expression. He was put on trial for supporting terrorism, and on 27 June 2012 was found guilty of „training and incitement to terrorist acts“, „activities of a terrorist organization“ and „high treason“. He was sentenced to 18 years in prison. Amnesty International therefore considers him a prisoner of conscience, sentenced merely for exercising his right to free speech.
Eskinder Nega has been tried and imprisoned multiple times. His eighth trial was one in 2005, when he and his wife were detained for 18 months for journalistic activities about post-elections protests. Eskinder’s wife gave birth to their first and only son while in prison.
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Immediate and unconditional release of Eskinder Nega
Dear Prime Minister:
Allow me to turn to you on behalf of Amnesty International Czech Republic and express my deep concern over the case of journalist Eskinder Nega, who was arrested in September 2011 for criticising the government in his speeches and articles. Eskinder Nega was charged with “preparing and encouraging acts of terrorism” and was sentenced to 18 years in prison.
Amnesty International considers Eskinder Nega to be a prisoner of conscience, sentenced only for having exercised his right to freedom of speech.
In the light of the above described, I respectfully urge you, Prime Minister, to ensure that:
• Eskinder Nega be immediately and unconditionally released , and
• Attacks and persecution of journalists, human rights activists and other citizens in Ethiopia be stopped.
In the spirit of respect for the basic values of human dignity, freedom, equality and solidarity, I call on you, Prime Minister, to respect human rights not only in the case of Mr. Eskinder Nega mentioned in this letter, but also all others unjustly imprisoned or persecuted in Ethiopia.
Thank you for your attention to this important issue.
Yours sincerely
