Suspects arrested in connection with the ‘coup’ attempt in which the army chief and a retired general were killed in Addis Ababa and three regional officials were killed in Bahir Dar ten days ago are housed in dark, damp, and cold cells in a clear violation of their human rights, their lawyer Henok Aklilu said.
The inmates who are in prison in Addis Ababa including journalist Berihun Adane have been denied access to their families, lawyers, Henok said. The lawyer objected to this in an application that he delivered to Lideta Subcity First Instance Court yesterday and police officers justified, saying they have been busy. The court subsequently ordered the inmates to be visited by their family members and lawyers. In consequence of the order given, the prisoners were visited by their lawyers yesterday. The lawyer said the inmates are housed in dark, damp, and cold rooms and they are allowed to use the toilet only once a day.
Among the suspects are Berihun Adane, a journalist for the newly launched Asrat TV, Mastewal Arega, a former employee of the Ministry of Revenue, and Sintayehu Chekol, a member of Baladera Council, a group opposed to what it saw as the dominance of the Oromo in Addis Ababa.
Several members of the
People read newspapers in Megenagna Square in Addis Ababa Photo Ethiopia Observer
