Turnaround in Ethiopia two weeks before the June 21 election. Eskinder Nega, one of the most important political opponents currently in prison, will be able to run. The former journalist became an opposition figure has been behind bars since July last year and his trial has still not started.
Relief for the party Balderas, which presents itself for legislative choice of 21 June only in the capital Addis Ababa. It’s not just its leader Eskinder Nega, but three other prisoners who may emerge. Geletaw Zeleke is responsible for communication at Balderas. “We are pleased with the registration of our candidates today. This is a good lesson for the future. The right to vote and the right to be elected must be respected as the law says, he said.
Despite Baldera’s call, Eskinder Nega will follow the vote from his prison cell. “We are convinced that his arrest and detention are political. The government should release him and let him fight in the last days before the election, Geletaw Zeleke continued.
Geltaw Zeleke rather fears after the election if Eskinder Nega would get a mandate. “If they do not release the prisoners, I think the government will face a major political crisis. So I think they will be reasonable. ”
In addition to Eskinder Nega, there are dozens of other political prisoners in Ethiopia today, including nationalists from the Oromo ethnic group, who are not affected by this court decision.
