Mesfin Woldemariam is Ethiopia's most prominent human rights defender, respected for his integrity and tenacity. In early November 2005, authorities detained him on a variety of charges in connection with public demonstrations protesting alleged election fraud in the May 2005 elections in Ethiopia. The charges include "outrage against the Constitution," "obstruction of the exercise of constitutional powers," "inciting, organizing or leading armed rebellion" and "attempted genocide." If convicted, he could receive the death penalty. Amnesty International considers Professor Mesfin Woldemariam a prisoner of conscience and is calling for his immediate and unconditional release. (Amnesty International)
In 1991, Professor Mesfin founded the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO), a non-governmental organization that investigates and reports on human rights violations in Ethiopia. While the government initially approved of EHRCO, it has been increasingly hostile to the organization. Authorities detained six EHRCO staff members for several weeks in June 2005. Professor Mesfin was the organization's chair until 2005 when he resigned and joined the election campaign of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), the main opposition party.
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Print and send a postcard to Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, demanding the release of Prof. Mesfin Woldemariam
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Send letters to Ethiopia's Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, urging him to bring about the release of Mesfin Woldemariam and all those imprisoned solely for the legitimate exercise of their right to freedom of expression. See a sample letter.
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