Protect Teddy Afro: Defend Art, Freedom, and Human Dignity


Protect Teddy Afro: Defend Art, Freedom, and Human Dignity
The Issue
We, the undersigned members of the global community—artists, human rights advocates, professionals, members of the Ethiopian diaspora, and supporters of freedom of expression—launch this worldwide petition to call for the immediate protection of Ethiopian musical artist Tewodros Kassahun (Teddy Afro).
Following the release of his album Itorika (ኢቶሪካ), widely embraced by millions, alarming reports indicate harassment, intimidation, and punitive actions against him and those connected to his work. These include raids, unwarranted arrests of associates, suppression of his music, and targeting of young listeners.
This is bigger than one artist. This is about freedom of expression, a cornerstone of any true democracy.
We call for:
- Immediate protection of Teddy Afro’s safety and rights
- Release of detained associates, including Mahlet Solomon and Yusuf Yasin
- An end to harassment, arrests, and intimidation
- Restoration of confiscated property and lifting of music bans
- Respect for the right of the people to listen, create, and express freely
Music is not a crime. Art must not be silenced.
Sign and share to stand for freedom, justice, and human dignity.
781
The Issue
We, the undersigned members of the global community—artists, human rights advocates, professionals, members of the Ethiopian diaspora, and supporters of freedom of expression—launch this worldwide petition to call for the immediate protection of Ethiopian musical artist Tewodros Kassahun (Teddy Afro).
Following the release of his album Itorika (ኢቶሪካ), widely embraced by millions, alarming reports indicate harassment, intimidation, and punitive actions against him and those connected to his work. These include raids, unwarranted arrests of associates, suppression of his music, and targeting of young listeners.
This is bigger than one artist. This is about freedom of expression, a cornerstone of any true democracy.
We call for:
- Immediate protection of Teddy Afro’s safety and rights
- Release of detained associates, including Mahlet Solomon and Yusuf Yasin
- An end to harassment, arrests, and intimidation
- Restoration of confiscated property and lifting of music bans
- Respect for the right of the people to listen, create, and express freely
Music is not a crime. Art must not be silenced.
Sign and share to stand for freedom, justice, and human dignity.
781
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on April 29, 2026