MARCH 27/ 2011
Following the arrests of many members of the opposition, an arrest that focused on Oromos, the regime of Meles Zenawi has rounded up dozens of youngsters in Addis Abeba and detained them in the central prison (Ma’eklawi) alleging they are involved in “planning and staging demonstrations”. Sources close to the regime claim that the youngsters are linked to anti regime opposition organizations.
It is to be noted that the regime has blocked web sites, imposed full control over internet connections, tapped mobile and fixed telephones and jammed radios like Finote Democracy Radio. Some of the youngsters had allegedly struck contact with opposition groups inside the country and also contacted others with the aim of “organizing protests like Tunisia and other countries”. Most of the arrested are between 14 and 17 years of age and there are fears that they may be taken to labor camps outside of the city or could be subjected to beatings in prisons inside the capital itself. It is to be noted that the regime’s security forces had been strongly chastised for not arresting even one person involved the ongoing EPRP nation wide pamphlet distribution and symbol and messages sticking activity.
SOCEPP calls on human rights organizations to call for the immediate release of the youngsters and/or to visit them in the central prison (Ma’ekelawi) of Addis Abeba.
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