AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program

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AAAS Human Rights Action Network

FACTS OF THE CASE:

Dr. Woldeyes Asrat, a surgeon and former professor and dean of Addis Ababa University, is currently on trial. Dr. Asrat was arrested for the first time in July 1993 for connection with the Al-Amhara People's Organization (AAPO), a non-violent political opposition party. He was released on bail six weeks after his arrest. In July 1994, he was again arrested and sentenced to three years imprisonment for allegedly "inciting armed uprising against the government." At the time of his second arrest, AAAS was able to confirm that both AAPO and Dr. Asrat are committed to non-violence, and that Dr. Asrat was probably arrested to discourage government opposition.

AAAS has learned that Dr. Asrat is being tried with 32 others charged with offenses involving the use of arms. All of the defendants have pleaded not guilty. The hearing, which has no international or diplomatic observers could continue through January.

[Source of information on this case is Amnesty International.]

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Faxes and letters are requested to the addresses given below. Make mention of any previous appeals which you have made regarding this case. Communications should:

• express concern about the trial of Dr. Asrat on charges involving the use of arms, given his commitment to non-violence;
• urging that the proceedings meet international human rights standards for a fair and impartial trial; and
• urging the Ethiopian government to respect its obligations under the international human rights covenants to which it is state party.

APPEAL AND INQUIRY MESSAGES SHOULD BE SENT TO:

Dr. Negaso Gidada
President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Et
P.O. Box 1031
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Fax: 011-25-11-55-20-30

Salutation: Salutation: Your Excellency

Mr. Mahteme Solomon
Minister of Justice
Ministry of Justice
P.O. Box 1370
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Fax: 011-2511-55-07-22
Salutation: Salutation: Minister Solomon

COPIES SENT TO:

Meles Zenawi
Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic
Prime Minister's Office
P.O. Box 1031
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Fax: 011 251 11 552020/ 552030
Salutation: Your Excellency

Ambassador Berhane Gebre-Christos
Embassy of Ethiopia
2134 Kalorama Road, NW
Washington, DC 20008

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