Addis Ababa – For far too long, the Amhara community has borne the brunt of state repression in Ethiopia. Now, fresh developments from May 2017 in Addis Ababa courtrooms reveal another chapter in this ongoing struggle. Recent proceedings involving two politically charged cases—one brought by Solomon Fikadu Tassie and another by artist Yordanos Aleme—underscore how dissent continues to be met with heavy-handed tactics and selective judicial measures.
In the case linked to Solomon Fikadu Tassie, a 48-year-old witness finds himself targeted not for what he said, but for simply recounting his experience. This witness, called to testify about an incident involving a routine vehicle inspection, described a scene devoid of violence: a car in question showed no evidence of bullet damage or blood. However, his account, later questioned for its inconsistency with earlier police reports, led to him being charged as an “attractive witness.” His testimony was aggressively scrutinized and criticized, resulting in his abrupt removal from the courtroom—a move that many see as an attempt to intimidate and silence any divergence from the state-sanctioned narrative.
Parallel to this, another case initiated by artist Yordanos Aleme has seen several political activists—including prominent figures such as Dr. Sisay Awgachew and athlete Samuel Baze—round up and thrust into the judicial spotlight. Arrested on May 12, 2017, these individuals are now navigating a legal labyrinth marked by contentious bail debates, last-minute scheduling changes, and uneven attendance in court. One accused remains absent while the remaining seven wrestle with legal processes that critics argue are designed less to uphold justice and more to push a politically motivated agenda.
This state-driven pattern is not new. For years, long-time observers and activists have decried the systematic oppression of the Amhara and other dissenting voices in Ethiopia. The current judicial actions—where even minor discrepancies in testimony are transformed into severe legal charges—seem to serve as a stark warning to those who dare to challenge the government’s authority. While officials maintain that all measures adhere to the rule of law, the reality on the ground paints a picture of selective enforcement and judicial overreach, where political dissent is effectively criminalized.
It’s been a long time since the Amhara community has been subjected to such overt repression, and these recent events in Addis Ababa fortify concerns that state apparatuses are still using the law as a tool to contain and control political expression. The recurring practice of discrediting and punishing individuals for providing straightforward accounts not only undermines trust in the legal system but also narrows the space for political dialogue and dissent. The scheduled further hearings—set for the coming days—are being closely watched by both national and international rights advocates who fear that this trend may only intensify.
As Ethiopia grapples with its political future, the plight of the Amhara political prisoners stands as a sobering reminder of a long history of state oppression. The enduring struggle for justice, accountability, and fair judicial treatment continues, with communities on all sides hoping that one day the scales of justice will truly balance in favor of truth and freedom.
