Torture and State Terror in Ethiopia

November 20, 2009
Press Release

While the Soviet-sponsored dictatorship of Mengistu Hailemariam was in power in Ethiopia, torture and other brutal instruments of state terror was the norm. Today, Meles Zenawi's Western donor-supported regime is increasingly resorting to the same type of brutality to control the population and stamp out dissent.

Seven months ago, General Asaminew Tsige, along with 46 others, was falsely accused of trying to overthrow the ruling regime and arrested. The prisoners have been on trial for the past month, and during their trial, many have shown evidence of having been abused and tortured. Last week, according to the Voice of America (VOA), General Tsige told the court that he had been a victim of ethnic abuse, as well as beatings and torture by Zenawi’s prison guards. He is now blind in his left eye as a result of the torture. General Tefera Mamo and Major Mekonen Worku also testified that they were beaten and tortured and exhibited visible bodily injuries.

Such abuse and intimidation has not been confined to the defendants. A month ago, the court ruled that the personal properties of the defendants be confiscated, effectively rending collective punishment against their families, many of whom will now be left destitute.

The trial ended November 19, with the kangaroo court finding the defendants guilty of 'sponsoring a coup', a conviction which carries with it the death penalty.

The above illegal and inhumane actions - arbitrary arrest, torture, collective punishment, and kangaroo convictions - are a sign that Ethiopia is increasingly becoming a lawless country, with a 'judicial system' whose judges and prosecutors simply implement the will of the ruling party. And, as most analysts agree that power in Ethiopia is concentrated in the hands of one man, Meles Zenawi, he is directly responsible for these abuses against the Ethiopian people.

Significant responsibility also lies in the hands of donor governments, who sponsor Zenawi's regime to the tune of over two billion dollars annually. Donor dollars were used, directly or indirectly, for the torture of General Tsige and his fellow prisoners.

Ginbot 7 would like to remind donor countries to reflect on their moral culpability in Ethiopia's state terror.

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