A coalition of four Ethiopian political parties—Enat Party, All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP), Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP), and the Amhara Giyonawe National Movement (AGNM)—paid a coordinated visit to political and conscience-driven prisoners detained in Kilinto and Kaliti correctional facilities on Sunday, June 15.
The delegation, accompanied by legal representatives, met with several prominent detainees including opposition leaders, journalists, and civic figures. Among those visited were Christian Tadele, Taye Dendaa, Dr. Wondessen Asefa, Dr. Chane Kebede, Dr. Kasa Teshager, Yohannes Ayalew, Professor Sisay Awgachew, Dr. Tewodros Hailemariam, and Attorney Alem Maseretu. Journalists Dawit Begashaw, Gobeze Sisay, Abay Zewdu, Meskerem Abera, and Genet Asmamaw were also among the group acknowledged during the visit.
The prisoners expressed heartfelt appreciation for the visit, stating their unwavering dedication to Ethiopia and its people. They conveyed gratitude to the coalition for recognizing the sacrifices made in the name of justice, identity, and political freedom.
In a joint statement released after the visit, the coalition condemned what they described as the systematic detention and abduction of Ethiopians for their political beliefs and ethnic identity. “Thousands are suffering in silence for simply expressing their views,” the statement read, calling the continued imprisonment of these figures “a visible reminder that Ethiopia has yet to move beyond authoritarian rule.”
The coalition criticized the government’s fear of political dissent and ideas, describing the suppression of opposition voices as a threat to national stability. They called on the Ethiopian National Election Board, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, local and international human rights organizations, embassies, and the media to investigate these cases and advocate for the rights of detainees.
Most notably, the parties urged the Ethiopian public to support the families of political prisoners and to continue raising their voices against state repression. They concluded with a firm demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals imprisoned solely for their political opinions and journalistic work.
“We will not remain silent,” the parties declared. “May God protect Ethiopia and its people.”
