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AAAS Human Rights Action Network

FACTS OF THE CASE:

Dr. Berhanu Nega, professor of Economics and Mayor-elect of Addis Ababa, jailed since 1 November 2005, was hospitalized on 9 June 2006 for a heart condition. Despite doctors' recommendations, he was returned to prison 20 days later, and it is feared that he is not receiving adequate medical attention. Dr. Nega faces charges of "violent conspiracy" and treason.

Dr. Nega suffers from high blood pressure and cardiomyopathy and was hospitalized after experiencing shortness of breath. He was returned to prison, however, without being examined by a cardiologist. Upon his release, doctors advised that he should be kept in a cleaner, better ventilated, less crowded cell. These recommendations have reportedly gone unheeded, and there are reports that Dr. Nega's potentially life-threatening condition has worsened since returning to prison.

Dr. Nega was detained as part of a massive round-up of suspected members of the opposition party, Coalition for Unity and Democracy. On 1 and 2 November 2005, 3,000 to 4,000 members and suspected members of CUD were arrested following months of protests against alleged fraud in the May 2005 parliamentary elections. Many of those arrested were subsequently released, however Dr. Nega and other opposition leaders remain jailed in Kaliti prison. It is reported that sanitary facilities are poor and that there are rats, cockroaches, and fleas in the cells. Also, the current rainy season makes the cells damp and cold. Although prisoners are allowed to visit with family on the weekends and receive food, books, and other items, they cannot write to their family.

(Sources of information for this case include: Amnesty International, www.savenega.org)

RELEVANT HUMAN RIGHTS STANDARDS

UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners

• Article 10: All accommodation provided for the use of prisoners and in particular all sleeping accommodation shall meet all requirements of health, due regard being paid to climatic conditions and particularly to cubic content of air, minimum floor space, lighting, heating and ventilation.
• Article 22(2): Sick prisoners who require specialist treatment shall be transferred to specialized institutions or to civil hospitals. Where hospital facilities are provided in an institution, their equipment, furnishings and pharmaceutical supplies shall be proper for the medical care and treatment of sick prisoners, and there shall be a staff of suitable trained officers.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

• Article 09: No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
• Article 19: Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Please send faxes, letters, or emails:

• Expressing concern for the health of Professor Berhanu Nega and calling for him to be transferred to a hospital immediately and given all necessary medical care, including treatment by a cardiologist; and
• Requesting that he be transferred to better conditions in Kaliti prison in accordance with medical recommendations; and
• Appealing for the immediate and unconditional release of Professor Berhanu Nega and all those detained because of the peaceful exercise of their freedom of expression and political beliefs.

  APPEAL AND INQUIRY MESSAGES SHOULD BE SENT TO:

  Commander of Kaliti Prison
  Kaliti Prison
  PO Box 2436
  Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  Salutation: Dear Commander

  Mr. Assefa Kesito
  Minister of Justice
  Ministry of Justice
  PO Box 1370
  Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  Fax: 011 251 11 552 0874
  ministry-justice@telecom.net.et
  Salutation: Dear Minister

  COPIES SENT TO:

  Dr. Tewodros Adhanom
  Minister of Health
  Ministry of Health
  PO Box 1234
  Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  Salutation: Dear Doctor Adhanom

  Federal Administration of Prisons
  Prison Service Headquarters
  PO Box 2234
  Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  

  Ambassador Kassahun Ayele
  Ambassador to the U.S.
  Embassy of Ethiopia
  3506 International Dr NW
  Washington DC 20008
  Fax: 1 202 587 0195
  info@ethiopianembassy.org
  Salutation: Dear Mr. Ambassador

  Please send copies of your appeals, and any responses you may receive, or direct any questions you may have to Sarah Olmstead, AAAS Science and Human Rights Program, 1200 New York Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20005; tel. 202-326-6787; email shrp@aaas.org; or fax 202-289-4950.

  The keys to effective appeals are to be courteous and respectful, accurate and precise, impartial in approach, and as specific as possible regarding the alleged violation and the international human rights standards and instruments that apply to the situation. Reference to your scientific organization and professional affiliation is always helpful.

  To ensure that appeals are current and credible, please do not continue to write appeals on this case after 90 days from the date of the posting unless an update has been issued.

  
  

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