A prominent journalist and politician, Eskinder Nega has been transferred to Kaliti Prison, on the outskirts of Addis Ababa, where he was previously detained, his attorney Henok Aklilu told BBC Amharic.
Eskinder Nega, who is now the Chairman of the Balderas for True Democracy party, was accused of trying to violently overthrow the government. Henok recalled that Eskinder was charged in a court hearing on September 10 and the court had ordered that he move to custody.
According to the attorney, Eskinder Nega was taken from the Federal Police Detention Center and was put in the same cell in Kaliti where he had been detained for more than six years.
Four defendants under the file of Eskinder Nega appeared at the Arada Division of the Federal High Court on Thursday and the charges were read to them, their attorney Henok Aklilu told the BBC Amharic. After the charges were read and commented on, the suspect’s attorney asked the court to release them on bail, Aklilu said. Investigation told the court that if the suspects were bailed, they could pose a danger to the peace and security of the country and they could commit further crimes.
For their part, Both Eskinder and his attorneys have argued against the claims by saying the Balderas for True Democracy party has the better alternative, adding that their candidacy in the next election is very important for the country’s democratic transition. In particular, they said, the party’s participation would be crucial to make the election credible.
After hearing both sides, the court scheduled to rule on Tuesday, September 12.
Eskinder was one of the dozens of politicians and journalists who were arrested following widespread protests and violence on 29 June.
Eskinder is a deceived soul who thinks he alone has the truth. He and few friends gathered at Balderas Hotel (ala Hitler’s beer hall putsch) right after he was released from jail. His photo adorned the stage background where he was the keynote speaker! The group released a communique. From then on he was at the center of every violence that rocked the nation. His target? Prime Minister Abiy, Mayor Takele Uma, and Lemma Megersa (all Oromo). His plan for them? To resign and handover power. Who will takeover? Eskinder was nowhere to suggest other than “a care-taker government.” That is understandable as he NEVER held a decent job let alone run a state agency. He then got his party registered as (hear this) “Balderas for True Democracy party.” See what I mean by Eskinder thinks he alone has a corner on truth? In other words, his is the only “true” democracy whereas all others are not true or real!
Eskinder and Jawar are two divisive figures that we as a nation could happily do without. I believe Eskinder and Jawar have been involved in clandestine activities following singer Hachalu’s assassination. And I believe Abiy’s government has a pretty solid evidence (as in beyond the shadow of a doubt) so no one could excuse it as trumped up. Wait and see. In the meantime, waste not your time exonerating Eskinder of fault and simply listen to his speeches (with violence and anger in his voice) and interviews.