Ethiopia releases 44 Oromo rebels

November 25, 2008 (ADDIS ABABA) – Ethiopian authorities released today 44 members of the rebel Oromo Liberation Front (OLF). The decision was recommended by the by the ministry of justice, it was announced today here.

The Ethiopian President Girma Woldegiorgis endorsed Tuesday the recommendation made by the Board of Pardon at the Ministry of Justice and ordered to free 44 OLF members.

The decision comes after statements made the Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi who had gave a green light for talks with a faction of the Oromo rebels last week. The ministry of justice said the the pardoned rebels had sworn to be "peaceful, law abiding and productive citizens".

However an Ethiopian committee for political prisoners (SOCEPP) alleged today that the government had unleashed a new wave of arrest and repression against the Oromos in the country. The committee which based in Germany accused the government of arresting dozens of Oromos and provided some names.

"Poet and lecturer Assafa Dibaba, OFDM secretary general Bekele Jirrata, ETV female employee Lelise Wedajo,Hilton Hotel deputy manager Kebede, Hawi Hotel owner Eshetu Kitil and singer Zerihu Wedajo" are among the arrested people according to SCEPP.

It further described the pardon of some "youths and old people" today as cover up of the on going repression against Oromos.

Source: Sudan Tribune