Netsanet Demissie

Two Ethiopian human rights defenders, Netsanet Demissie and Daniel Bekele, detained since November 2005, due to be sentenced on Thursday, 22 November 2007 have had their hearing adjourned. The reason given was that one of the judges was sick. Daniel Bekele is the head of Policy and Research and Advocacy Department of ActionAid Ethiopia, and Netsanet Demissie is the Executive Director and co-founder of the Organisation for Social Justice (OSJE).

Further Information

Posted 20/11/2007 Daniel Bekele and Netsanet Demissie were originally arrested on 1 and 9 November 2005 respectively, along with 129 members of the opposition, journalists and human rights defenders, following a series of demonstrations. 193 protesters were reportedly killed (according to the Commission of Enquiry set up by the Government) in clashes between demonstrators and police In June and November 2005. The demonstrations were organised against alleged fraud in the May 2005 general elections.

Netsanet Demissie and Daniel Bekele were charged with conspiracy and an attempt to overthrow the constitutional order, which could carry a death sentence or life imprisonment.

Front Line believes that Netsanet Demissie and Daniel Bekele have been targeted as a result of their peaceful and legitimate work in the defence of human rights and democratic freedoms. Front Line urges the Ethiopian authorities to drop the charges against Netsanet Demissie and Daniel Bekele and immediately and unconditionally release them.

If you would like to sign the petition calling for their immediate and unconditional release, please link to: Petition on Behalf of Netsanet Demissie and Daniel Bekele