Opposition leader renews pressure on probe into killing of key Oromo politician Bate Urgessa
By Hanifa Adan |
The investigation faced significant setbacks, including the detention of key witnesses and family members by police, ostensibly for their protection.
Jawar Mohamed, a prominent Oromo opposition leader who had been missing in action since his release from prison, recently broke his silence to call for greater transparency from the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) regarding its investigation into the assassination of Bate Urgessa, an Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) political officer.
The EHRC had initiated its investigation following the suspicious circumstances surrounding Bate's death in Meki City, Oromia Region, which suggested the involvement of security forces according to Addis Standard.
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Urging the EHRC to act swiftly, Jawar stated, "This confirms what was long suspected by many. Why is the EHRC not releasing its investigation into Batte's killing? They need to urgently disclose what they have learned from eyewitnesses, who have since then disappeared."
However, the investigation faced significant setbacks, including the detention of key witnesses and family members by police, ostensibly for their protection.
These challenges forced the EHRC to halt their investigative work on April 12, as detailed in a letter sent to various regional government offices on April 17 and accessed by Addis Standard.
The disruption of the investigation, marked by surveillance and interference, has drawn international attention, prompting international calls for a thorough and impartial investigation.
Jawahar's own arrest and subsequent disappearance post-release highlight the volatile political climate in Ethiopia.
His detention had been part of a broader crackdown on opposition figures, which he has frequently criticised as a tactic to suppress dissent.
As the international community continues to watch the situation, the EHRC has committed to publishing its preliminary findings soon, despite current challenges.
Bate, remembered as a courageous and dedicated figure, had faced multiple detentions due to his political activism, with his death now a focal point for ongoing human rights concerns in the region.
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