Immediate & Unconditional Release of Jawar Mohammed and All Oromo Political Prisoners in Ethiopia

It is reported that Jawar Mohammed is being held in a cold, dark underground prison, and is only allowed to visit the toilet twice a day. Jawar is possibly being tortured because historically political prisoners are often tortured in Ethiopia. Jawar is barred from freely communicating with his family and lawyers. This treatment not only disrespects his inherent dignity and value as a human being, but also violates the United Nations Human Rights Resolution on Standard Minimum Treatment of Prisoners. We know, the circumstances of imprisonment are not any different for the other Oromo political prisoners who have been unlawfully detained:

   Abdi Ragassa
   Bekele Gerba
   Dr. Shugux Galata
   Yasso Kabbabaa
   Chaltu Takala
   Mikael Boran
   Kennasa Ayana
   Colonel Gemechu Ayana
   Hamza Borana,  Guyyoo Waariyo and many others.                                   

Background

Jawar is an internationally recognized figure. He was born in Ethiopia and lived most of his adult life in the U.S. He studied political science at Stanford University in California and completed his masters in human rights at Columbia University in New York. He is a father and a husband. Jawar believes in non-violent resistance. He spearheaded the Oromo Protest (#OromoProtests) in 2014-2018, which is a movement for fundamental human rights, equality and self-rule throughout Ethiopia. He lead the Qeerroos (Oromo Youths) through mobilization, civil disobedience, and economic  and political non-cooperation.

The Oromo Protest led to the resignation of the previous Prime Minister and propelled Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PM) to power in 2018. Abiy promised a transition to true democracy and also made some reforms, such as freeing political prisoners. Jawar made a triumphant return to Ethiopia to support Abiy during the transition. 

Abiy failed to deliver on the democratic transition. Just like his predecessors, he continued to make unlawful arrests, and extrajudicially kill dissidents, mostly Oromos. Jawar became highly critical of the PM, criticizing his human rights violations, his breach of the constitution, and his delaying of the national election indefinitely under the pretext of the danger of COVID-19.

On June 29, 2020 the beloved Oromo artist and activist Haacaaluu Hundeessaa was assassinated in Finfinne (Addis Ababa). Haacaaluu and Jawar are like different sides of the same coin. They are greatly admired and supported by the Oromo People. Immediately, in what appears to be a series of pre-planned events, the PM arrested Jawar Mohammed and several prominent opposition leaders and journalists, then raided and shut down the independent Oromia Media Network (OMN). OMN has always presented the views of the people as opposed to government propaganda.

Jawar committed no crime. His arrest is purely politically motivated. It is to silence him, and to remove him from the political sphere because the PM considers Jawar as his biggest threat as Jawar is planning to run for office in the upcoming election and has a massive base of support.

Our Demands

1. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Jawar Mohammed and all Oromo political prisoners.
2. We demand fair and humane treatment of Jawar Mohammed and the other detainees including their right to proper lighting, heating, ventilation, and sanitary facilities in accordance with the needs of nature.
3. We demand respect for Jawar’s and the other detainees’ right to communicate with their lawyers, family, friends, and international access to them without obstruction.

Action is Needed Right Away!