Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Ethiopia: Teacher Burns Himself To Death In Protest – Angus Stickler
Yenesew Gabre
Events in Ethiopia have taken a disturbing turn following reports that a teacher in his late 20s burnt himself to death last week in protest against the ongoing brutal clampdown on dissent in the country.
According to reports Yenesew Gebre made an impassioned plea at a protest gathering before dowsing himself in petrol and setting himself on fire.
Addressing fellow protestors he is reported to have said: ’I want to show to all that death is preferable than a life without justice and liberty and I call upon my fellow compatriots to fear nothing and rise up to wrench their freedom and rights from the hands of the local and national tyrants.’
It is understood that Gebre died from his injuries three days later at the Tercha city local hospital.
Ethiopia’s terrorism charges against journalists critical of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’s government are becoming vague and ludicrous. The authorities have failed to provide any hard evidence and should drop these charges immediately.
Tom Rhodes, Committee to Protect Journalists
Renewed crackdown
According to sources who spoke to the satellite TV station, ESAT, Yenesew had been campaigning against injustice at the hands of ruling party officials. It also appears that he had been fired from his teaching position because of his political views.
After a spate of protest rallies and a lengthy dispute between government representatives and the local community, senior government officials called public meeting on Friday November 11, at the Tercha city administration building for the southern region of the country.
It was during the meeting that Yenesew Gebre reportedly stood up and spoke out against Meles Zenawi’s regime. When security agents tried to stop him and throw him out, Yeneneh walked out of the meeting hall and poured benzene on himself and set himself alight infront of the other protesters gathered in the compound.
‘While fire was engulfing his whole body, he was calling for justice, freedom and democracy and urged people to rise up against the oppressors. He wanted martyrdom … he chose to sacrifice his life for the sake of liberty and justice,’ a local source who witnessed the shocking incident told ESAT.
According to close friends, Yenesew Gebre was widely respected and well known for raising serious issues and challenging authorities.
In a bid to quash any further protests in the area, the federal police and the security services have reportedly sealed off the town. The regime has cut telephone lines to prevent the news of Yenesew’s death from spreading across Ethiopia, according to ESAT.
Zelalem Tessema, spokesman from Mass Advocacy of Communities, Ethiopia (MACE) a Diaspora group based in the UK, told the Bureau: ‘This unprecedented form of self-sacrifice has caused shock and anger amongst his compatriots both at home and abroad. Gebre’s action demonstrates the high level of despair prevailing amongst the public at large that is firmly under the brutal rule of Meles Zenawi.’
Concerted Crackdown
Yenesew Gebre’s death follows a recent investigation by the Bureau and BBC Newsnight into allegations of torture, repression and the political manipulation of foreign aid. The report was strongly denied by representatives of President Meles Zenawi.
However the Bureau has been told of a concerted crackdown following the broadcast, particularly in the southern region where Yenesew Gebre took his life. ‘Sadly there has been a crackdown by the security forces on people who have suspected to have cooperated with the programme,’ said Zelalem Tessema.’And certainly we’ve got reports that people have been arrested, some people have been questioned by security forces and some people have left the area in fear of what would follow.’
Widespread Oppression
In recent weeks that crackdown has intensified and spread to other areas of the country, according to members of the Ethiopian community in the UK. The Bureau has learned that at least 40 opposition politicians, their supporters and journalists have been arrested by security forces in recent months. Many are being held in the Central Investigation Centre in Maikelawi where allegations of torture are rife.
The most prominent are Bekele Gerba and Olbana Lelisa, opposition leaders in Oromia, Andualaem Arage the vice chairman of Unity Democracy and Justice Party and the prominent journalist Eskinder Nega. Opposition groups say that another mainstream politician who fled the country as a political refugee has been abducted from Sudan. Andualem Ayalew, a former member of parliament between 2005 and 2010 fled the Ethiopia but is now believed to be being held in Maikelawi facing trial.
The government has been accused of using sweeping anti-terror legislation passed in 2009 to crush dissent. The definitions of terrorist activity under the law are broad and ambiguous. It permits a clamp down on political demonstrations and public criticisms of government policy. The law criminalises any reporting that authorities deem to ‘encourage’ or ‘provide moral support’ to groups the government has labelled ‘terrorists.’
Media Targeted
The legislation is also being used to stifle Ethiopia’s media. Last week a judge in Ethiopia’s federal high court charged six journalists with terrorism. According to the New York based campaign group – the Committee to Protect Journalists, (CPJ), 10 journalists have now been charged with terrorism related offences since June.
‘Ethiopia’s terrorism charges against journalists critical of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’s government are becoming vague and ludicrous,’ said CPJ East Africa Consultant Tom Rhodes. ‘The authorities have failed to provide any hard evidence and should drop these charges immediately.’
In an interview with Agence France-Presse, government spokesman Shimelis Kemal accused the journalists of ‘abetting, aiding, and supporting a terrorist group.’
And the crack-down is not confined to Ethiopian nationals. Earlier this month an Ethiopian court said two Swedish journalists must face charges of helping a terrorist group and entering the country illegally. Reporter Martin Schibbye and photographer Johan Persson were charged with terrorism after they were arrested crossing from Puntland into Ethiopia’s troubled Ogaden region with members of the banned Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) in July.
If found guilty, they could face a maximum of 15 years in jail.
In August, a delegation from Amnesty International was expelled from Ethiopia. They had been in the country for 12 days before their arrest, during which time Amnesty says they were under ‘constant surveillance’.
Speaking shortly after her expulsion from the country, Amnesty’s Claire Beston told the Bureau: ‘I’ve heard from political opposition groups that there’s really increased tension now amongst the political opposition. Civil society activists have said the situation is rapidly deteriorating – to use their words. Journalists are more afraid even than they were before, and we are even talking about a significant climate of fear – all those groups are already operating in a climate of fear. ’
Foreign Tourists under Surveillance
In a separate move it has also been reported that the government is targeting tour operators to monitor the movements of foreign nationals on holiday following the Bureau’s original investigation. The Bureau/Newsnight team entered the country on tourist visas posing as holidaymakers.
While fire was enulfing his whole body, he was calling for justice, freedom and democracy and urged people to rise up against the oppressors. He wanted martyrdom … he chose to sacrifice his life for the sake of liberty and justice.
Witness to Yenesew Gebre’s self-immolation
According to the Indian Ocean Newsletter, representatives of the tour operators active in the country were summoned to a meeting at the ministry of transport in Addis Ababa last month. It says that during the meeting the tour operators were blatantly asked to include an Ethiopian intelligence officer from now on.
It says: ‘According to one source present at the meeting, the instructions from the government official specified that the tour operators should meet the agent’s expenses. The agent’s job will be to keep a watch on all the movements of the visitors and determine their reason for going to Ethiopia.
‘This measure follows on a recent BBC report criticising the situation in the Ogaden region and the political use the Ethiopian government made of international aid,’ states the Newsletter. ‘It would appear that from now on the Ethiopian authorities want to prevent foreign journalists from entering the country with tourist visas and travelling around the country.’
The Bureau asked the Ethiopian Embassy in London for a response to the death of Yenesew Gebre and the allegations of concerning the current government crack-down It is yet to respond.
Comments
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People where fighting for
Submitted by Max Moog (not verified) on February 29, 2012 - 19:17.
People where fighting for their liberty and justice other the centuries and still not everyone have them. I am completing my nursing masters degree in a few months and I am prepare to go to Africa for a year as a volunteer. I was always wanted to support this countries and make a better world.
I was hearing about this
Submitted by Dane Stafford (not verified) on February 28, 2012 - 15:55.
I was hearing about this story while I was taking some internet marketing classes and we discussed about social media in different countries. I was in shock and so happy that I don't live there and I totally agree that death is preferable than a life without justice and liberty.
This is what happens when
Submitted by Ann Foster (not verified) on February 27, 2012 - 17:58.
This is what happens when there is no justice, and it is not only in Ethiopia. I just took a master in public health degree and I was thinking to go like a volunteer to one of this disadvantaged countries, but now I will give a second thought to this.
SjzyieVOPT
Submitted by Graceland (not verified) on January 19, 2012 - 20:35.
Wow I must confess you make some very trcenhant points.
HI
Submitted by Aschalew (not verified) on November 25, 2011 - 13:31.
hi ths man sacrifice for all burden Ethiopia people within 20 yearsy by EPRDF( HIDDEN DICTATOR)
hi
Submitted by Aschalew (not verified) on November 25, 2011 - 13:27.
Hi iam aschalew fromjimma Ethiopia the man who burn himself yenesew gebre death is due to government hidden dictatorship this man lack job shelter any necessarily thing happen to him due to government dictatorship so i would say extremely government should have to get sanction for burden Ethiopia people up to now in 20 years.
Comment
Submitted by Peter Patrick (not verified) on November 17, 2011 - 14:03.
What is it that is so hot ,that would make a man, go into a hot fire?It is sad and incredible!But then,it is pointless ,people pin-pointing and making suggestiongs 2where he cud be and stuff!Some dudes went further using hard words on ,themselves.I tell you,God knows the best for us.Lades,lets learn from the folk's mistake,bcos,it is a total blank error he made,answering the call.
NIGERIAN TEACHER? Na Lie...
Submitted by Tony h (not verified) on November 17, 2011 - 01:14.
HEADLINE:
A NIGERIAN Teacher Burns Himself To Death In Protest.
A Nigerian die for a cause? Never! Never!! Never!!!
A Nigerian praying for JESUS to comeback and Burn Himself to Death In Protest - Yea, sounds more like it.
@sani musa
Submitted by sultanofsokoto on November 17, 2011 - 00:54.
whow! a mai shai that can write passable english, not bad at all, one that cherish education and it brings me joy to see that at least, on one malo our looted money was wisely spent. Better go to bed, cos the cows will be early up tomorrow to be milked!
Sani Musa vs sultanofsokoto
Submitted by Otile (not verified) on November 17, 2011 - 00:03.
Sani Musa,
Wallahi Tallahi who are you calling stupid, and dumb? Between you and sultanofsokoto you are the stupid, deaf and dumb Mohammedan. Don't drag me in the fight between two of you. I am a Biafran, you two are corrupt one Nigerians. Ungulu said that he has nothing to do with a barber. Go and sort out your difference with sultanofsokoto. Why do you hate sultanofsokoto so much? Is he not your fellow Mohammedan, or is it because he is from Oduduwaland? You bloody fool, the only thing you think about is bloodshed. You can fight it out with him so that he can kill you off since you are a worthless Mohammedan. Shege banza.
Otile vs Skt
Submitted by Sani Musa (not verified) on November 16, 2011 - 22:28.
Hahahahaha! I am so happy...a dog eats dog...the stupid, and d dumb Otile @ war with the spineless coward.Otile and sultanofsokoto are two jobless, stupid jerks who do nothing other than ignite hatred and promote animorsity through insult and blasphemy...any religion harboring these 2 dirty-minded dummies is accursed.Kill urselves you damn punks!
Be ur brother keeper
Submitted by Grace (not verified) on November 16, 2011 - 20:38.
You people are just fighting each other for nothing ,we have all come a long way dr4 we should learn to tolerate one another.let us pray that Nigeria will not deteriorate to what we hear and see happening in the other Africa country .
Mega dumb ass
Submitted by el duque (not verified) on November 16, 2011 - 18:58.
@ mega,how can a scared little puppy like you judge a man of such great courage and conviction?.The man chose death over tyranny.He chose to live free or die.Is there any greater sacrifice?.You apparently are one of those who is waiting for God to come down from heaven and free you from your bondage instead of fighting for your rights and against your slave master..How do you even know there is heaven or hell?.Advice to you.Create and live your heaven here or sit sheepishly and let the looters continue to create the hellish existence you live now while they live in heaven and you wish for heaven.Rise up against oppression and tyranny.Use your time to revolt against those raping Nigeria with the utmost impunity.Leave God out of this because He has never come down to free the oppressed.Your salvation is in your hands.
Ore mi sultanofsokoto
Submitted by Otile (not verified) on November 16, 2011 - 17:45.
Sultanofsokoto my Odua Friend, are you having an easy time? Things are pretty easy out there where you are hiding and insulting me? I know you are not anywhere near Oduduwaland. It is easy for you to open your stinky mouth to insult me while your people here at home have crippled Nigeria. Tell your grandmother, Iyale Awolowo to apologize for the atrocities she and her thieving husband committed against Igbo children. Odale.
@Otile Ore mi
Submitted by sultanofsokoto on November 16, 2011 - 16:06.
Otile my BIAFRAN Friend, are you having a hard time? I can feel you..Things are pretty tough out there? You probably have issues with anything Yoruba? Listen up ore mi! Yorubas are here to stay even if Naija fell apart today, we will come out stronger! So stop chasing or seeing imaginery Demons in anything Oduduwa. You are so blinded by your hatred of Yorubas that you failed to see how dumb your statements are. Accept my sympathy
Statesman, How can a coward
Submitted by Otile (not verified) on November 16, 2011 - 14:56.
Statesman,
How can a coward call himself a statesman? Come on, answer your Yoruba name. Show me one single person alive who is a Nigerian nationalist. Nigeria is a convolution of people glued together for the purpose of sucking oil. You idiot.
Elito, What is obvious to you
Submitted by Otile (not verified) on November 16, 2011 - 14:44.
Elito,
What is obvious to you many not be so to others. For example you have adopted my name in this forum. Your new name Elito is Otile spelled backward. Isn't, it boy? I love it when people try to imitate me. You are begging me to tell you something new. Amen, Amen, I say on to you there is nothing new under the sun.
MADRID, Man, you are
Submitted by Otile (not verified) on November 16, 2011 - 14:30.
MADRID,
Man, you are expecting too much. You are talking about Eko, the soul of Odua people, the epicenter of cowardice. You are lucky your mechanic crept out alive, and did not have heart attack under your car. In Eko if an owl hoots at nite when power is down a whole street can evacuate out of fear. That is why when we talk about breaking away the Yorubas insult us thinking that our breaking away will lead to war which might affect them. They can't stand the sound of a machine gun.
Respect.
Submitted by sultanofsokoto on November 16, 2011 - 14:06.
He paid the ultimate price for a cause he was passionate about. My heart goes out to his family, friends and co travellers. I hope dearly that something good comes out of this courageous act of self offering. Adieu stranger! hope your people stay the course.
MEGA SHUT UP
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on November 16, 2011 - 13:43.
Why are you so sure about heaven and hell..How do you know his present location ...you are so certin to say he is going to hell...You are one of those easily preyed on by Nigerian pastors..this manis fighting for a just cause, Hence I think anywhere he ends up he will be honoured..
Alarm!
Submitted by Akaraogun (not verified) on November 16, 2011 - 12:29.
I am really afraid for Nigeria.
Why should i burn myself
Submitted by Mega (not verified) on November 16, 2011 - 11:30.
First of all this man is going to hell. i'm not supposed to judge but i am sure of what i'm saying, which holy book supports suicide, this is a very foolish act and i'm sure some idiots will hail him for the move. what level of frustration will make a man take his own life. Rubbish
If you are so brave... why
Submitted by Mexes (not verified) on November 16, 2011 - 11:04.
If you are so brave... why Don't you douse yourself in petrol and set light the Match, huh?... Oh, I forgot... You as Much a Nigeria as any of us.
Tribalist?
Submitted by Olugu Orji (not verified) on November 16, 2011 - 10:36.
@ Statesman. I think it's unfair to label someone a tribalist simply because he expresses a view that seems to highlight his or her interest in a certain part of the country. I concede that sometimes some people are wont to stretch their prejudices a little too far but that doesn't make defending the interests of one's tribe a sin. If loving one's tribe is wrong, so also should love for one's family. Or spouse. If I read Otile right, I think he was merely expressing his frustration at the inability of the security forces in curbing the icreasingly-deteriorating security situation brought on by Boko Haram
Foolish Madrid
Submitted by Charles (not verified) on November 16, 2011 - 10:28.
Madrid, why not sacrifice your own life for Nigeria?.. fool..
Nigerians are cowards of death
Submitted by MADRID (not verified) on November 16, 2011 - 10:19.
Nigerians are cowards of death and i am sure that no Nigerian will set himself ablaze for the freedom of others.We like life,eat and have sex and drink alcohol and God will do it.
Nigerians are God will do it people.
One gun shot will despise one million Nigerians,they will scramble for safety and go into hiding.
As busy as Ikeja Bus stop at Lagos,one day i was there at a mechanic workshop and suddenly there was a sound like a gun shot,i saw people running,the busy bus stop was very quiet and drivers and conductors crept under their buses and my mechanic refused to emerge from under my car and i discovered that i was the only person standing.
What a shame on the Cowards and Foolish Down Trodden people.Do Nigerians youth think that American and European youths will come down to Nigeria to fight for them?
Nigerians must learn to take their destiny into their hands,rather than running after SEX, FOOD AND ALCOHOL.
@otile
Submitted by Elito (not verified) on November 16, 2011 - 10:17.
Other than stating the obvious what are you going to do about it? Or are you waiting for the Niger based narco-jihadist to stick a rocket up your backside before you too scamper?I beg tell us something new.
Otile, a tribalist
Submitted by Statesman (not verified) on November 16, 2011 - 07:50.
Who's this otile guy? All his comments are always streaked wt tribalism. Read his comment in d punch and identify a tribalist. Instead of u to comment on d issue at hand, u always try to justify why ur SS region shd get preferential treatment.
BE A NATIONALIST FOR ONCE, jobless bigot, Otile.
Some countries are not worth
Submitted by Otile (not verified) on November 16, 2011 - 03:41.
Some countries are not worth losing one's life for. I wonder if any sensible person can voluntarily lose his life for 9ja. Patriotism has died a natural death in 9ja. In the North a band of Boko Haram boys can sack a police division and loot their weapons. The same this is happening to the soldiers, when the soldiers sight the jihadists they drop their weapons and doff their uniform scampering for their lives. SE and SS are the only places Nigerian security forces are willing to kill civilians or lose their lives. These troops are ever ready to kill civilians and lose their own lives because of crude oil.
