Critics Detained In Ethiopian Anti-Terror Sweep
Peter Heinlein | Addis Ababa
Two fierce critics of Ethiopia’s ruling party have joined a growing list of
government opponents detained in recent days under a new anti-terrorism law.
The latest to be arrested are a journalist and a rising star in opposition
politics.
Ethiopian federal police detained five people Wednesday in an ongoing
roundup of terrorism suspects. Among them were Andualem Aragie, the youngest
executive committee member of the main opposition bloc Medrek, and
independent internet journalist Eskinder Nega.
Both men have been outspoken critics of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’s ruling
Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Party, which has ruled the
country since seizing power in a bloodless coup in 1991. Both were among 130
journalists and political activists convicted of treason and sentenced to
life in prison following the disputed 2005 elections. All were later
pardoned.