05/02/2021
Oromo Liberation Front-OLF/ABO
To: the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Addis Abeba, Ethiopia
From : Oromo Liberation Front , Addis Abeba, Ethiopia
Ref: To bring the grave situation of members of leaders of the OLF in prison
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission was established as an autonomous organ to make sure that human rights are protected, respected and fully enforced as well as to have the necessary measures taken where they are found to be violated in any region of the country. However, it is only recently, after almost two decades since its establishment in 2000, that the commission was able to get rid of a grim shadow on its autonomy. Having watched its operation over the past two years, we commend the reports of the Commission on egregious violations on civilians at Mai Kadra, Metekel, Konso, Humera and others.
However, before and after the events that gave rise to these reports, massive violation were and are taking place—including in the capital where the Commission is headquartered—on members and the leadership of the OLF.
We bring to your attention very few examples of what we believe is the epitome of the myth of justice sector reform in Abiy Ahmed’s Ethiopia:
1. Members of the leadership of OLF—including Abdi Ragasa, Michael Boran, Lami Begna, Gemechu Ayana and Dawit Abdata—were bailed and/or acquitted for the fourth time by courts at different levels:
2. First, the Sululta District court ordered their release on bail of 15,000 birr. The police refused to free them.
3. Then, the High Court of Finfinnee Special Zone ordered their release; the prison administration complied with the order. However, members of Oromia Special Police swiftly rounded them up before they left the prison compound; they were then sent to Sebeta prison.
4. The prosecutor now came up with a new charge on Abdi Ragaa, Lami Begna, and Dawit Abdata along with other Oromo prisoners. The court then ordered their release on bail of 20,000 birr. To obstruct release,
