THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Despite conviction, Ethiopian anti-poverty campaigners vindicated

Over the holidays, 364 people from 45 countries sent messages of hope and solidarity to Ethiopian anti-poverty campaigners Daniel Bekele and Netsanet Demissie through an online campaign run by CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation and the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP).

On 24 December, Daniel and Netsanet were acquitted of charges of conspiracy to overthrow the constitutional order, but found guilty on a lesser charge of incitement. On 26 December, they were sentenced to 2 ½ years in prison. As they have already been in prison for 2 years and 2 months, they are expected to be released on parole in the coming weeks.

Following their sentencing, Kumi Naidoo, Secretary General of CIVICUS and Co-Chair of GCAP, said: "While we welcome the fact that Daniel and Netsanet may soon be reunited with their friends, families and colleagues in civil society, we are perplexed and dismayed by the additional sentence. Everyday they have spent and possibly will spend in prison is a deep injustice. They are true heroes of Ethiopia, true heroes of Africa and for everyone around the world who supports democracy, justice and the fight against poverty".

While CIVICUS and GCAP remain hopeful that Daniel and Netsanet will soon be reunited with their families, they will continue to support them throughout their remaining time in prison, as well as their appeal process (if they decide to appeal). They will also continue to encourage the work of civil society organisations in Ethiopia, many of which have been forced into silence out of fear of meeting the same fate as Daniel and Netsanet. CIVICUS and GCAP hope the imminent release of Daniel and Netsanet, and the court’s recognition of their good work, will help to re-ignite public debate in Ethiopia.