Many detained, harassed in Southern Ethiopia after protest

ESAT News  July 9, 2013

Over 300 protesters, who called for the release of their leaders in Selam Ber town, Gamogofa Zone of Southern Ethiopia, have been detained and harassed by police on Sunday July 7, 2013.  Police have beaten and detained teenagers as young as 13 years old. Berhanu, a resident of the town said, the acts of the police was not even committed by the “ruthless Derg” during the previous regime.

Mesbo Madalcho, an elderly who was one of those that represented the protesters in Awasa city, said the police assailed the protesters when they gathered to voice their concerns peacefully.  A prison guard said to ESAT that although over 300 prisoners had appeared before Court, the prisoners said they had no confidence in the court and refused to be tried.  Severely beaten youth have been refused medical care.

Daniel Shibeshi, native of the area and representative of the Unity for Democracy and Justice (UDJ) Southern Ethiopia, said the main cause of the protest was the government’s refusal to respond to the “identity, good governance and development questions of the people”.  Daniel said, currently the only people seen roaming in the town are members of the Defense Force and police. Yesegat Sentan, Administrator of the Woreda, said he was in a meeting when approached by ESAT.