Ethiopia releases opposition politicians from prison" — For immediate release
The Oromo Community Organization of Washington DC metropolitan area (OCO DMV) welcomes the release of the illegally incarcerated Oromo opposition party leaders, including Messrs. Abdi Raggasa, Michael Boran, Kennasa Ayana, Lammii Beenya, Gada Gabisa, Dawit Abdataa, and Dr. Gada Oljirraa. At the same time, it should be noted that tens of thousands of innocent Oromo civilians are still languishing in detention centers under inhumane and appalling conditions across Oromia, falsely accused of being members or supporters of the Oromo Liberation Army.
We wish to thank the US government and several other peace-loving nations and multilateral and bilateral international organizations who have influenced this modest but positive gesture. We also ask the government of Ethiopia to extend this gesture and immediately release the tens of thousands of Oromos still in jails across Oromia.
Ethiopia's conflict-ridden history unequivocally shows that political dissent or conflict can never be resolved through military might. We humbly request Ethiopia's ruling party to stop pitting Oromo brothers and sisters against one another, end the carnage ravaging the country, allow all political parties to fairly and freely engage their citizens, allow free media, respect citizens' right to free and safe assembly, and bring to justice all those responsible for the escalated political assassinations in Ethiopia.
OCO DMV BOARD
