To Whom It May Concern,

Urgent Appeal for the Release and Medical Attention of Journalist Tadios Tantu

I am writing to bring attention to the unjust imprisonment and deteriorating health of veteran journalist Tadios Tantu, a respected figure in Ethiopian journalism. Mr. Tantu, 73 years old, has been held in prison for the past three years under deplorable circumstances.

For two of these years, Mr. Tantu has been denied his right to bail and has not received a fair hearing regarding the charges brought against him by the government. It is essential to emphasize that Mr. Tantu poses no flight risk or danger to anyone. His only “crime” was exercising his right to free speech by opposing the decades-long campaign of violence and marginalization directed against the Amhara people in the Oromia region of Ethiopia.

This campaign, spanning over 30 years, has resulted in the tragic loss of an estimated 10 million lives. These deaths were caused by both genocidal massacres in areas such as Bedeno, Arbagugu, Adama, Ambo, Harrar, Guraferda, welga ,north shewa,Riginal administratif  of oromia in general,Mai Kadra, Woldiya, Korem, and Kobo, as well as through covert eugenics programs, including forced sterilizations. Journalist Tadios Tantu has courageously spoken out against the vilification of the Amhara people, their rich culture, and their indispensable contributions to Ethiopian history, civilization, and independence.

Adding to this injustice, Mr. Tantu’s critical health needs are being neglected. He was recently denied a court-ordered hospitalization necessary for the proper care of his catheter, putting his life at even greater risk.

We urge international human rights organizations, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Genocide Watch, The Oakland Institute, and Organisation Mondiale Contre la Torture, to apply pressure on Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali’s government. Immediate action is needed to secure Mr. Tantu’s release and to ensure he receives the medical attention he desperately requires.

The unjust treatment of Tadios Tantu represents a grave violation of human rights and freedom of expression. The global community must not remain silent in the face of such injustice.

Sincerely, 
HABTAMU AYALEW
A journalist  at ETHIO 360 media and Human rights advocate