On January 3, the Ethiopian Prime Minster announced the release of political prisoners from the notorious detention center called Maeklawi. In his press release, the Prime Minster stated that the government is planning to release more than 500 political prisoners and it happened.  Dr. Merara Gudina, the leader of Oromo Federalist Congress which represents the Oromo people in Ethiopia was freed 13 days following this announcement after a year in detention.  It is the first time that the government officially confirmed that there are people who are detained because of their political opinions. Many Ethiopian opposition leaders and international human rights organizations commended the Ethiopian government’s gesture, but they believe that there is a lot more to be done including releasing the remaining political prisoners in prisons across the country and without delay free the democratic space so that every Ethiopian can truly be free. Click here to learn more
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