Ethiopia: Birtukan’s Illegal Incarceration Remembered, Candle-Lighting Ceremony Led by Seye Abraha

June 29th, 2009 | EthioPolitics.com |

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* Candle-Lighting Ceremony Led by Seye Abraha
* keynote speaker was Dr. Negasso Gidada
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By Andinet NA

Saturday 27 June 2009 was the sixth month of Birtukan’s illegal incarceration. As the we did it every month we commemorated the date solemnly and again called for her unconditional release. Six candles were lit by invited guest- Ato Seye Abraha.

The event was organized and directed by the women members of the Party.Helena made a moving speech where she exalted Bertukan and urged all women in the Party to follow Bertukan’s example of perseverance and dedication. She promised that they will leave no stone unturned to secure Bertukan’s freedom.She urged the women of the Party to play a more active role in the Party as members and as leaders. The women members of the Party demonstrated their capacity to organize the program which was a total success.

Dr. Negasso Gidada was the keynote speaker where he condemned the illegal imprisonment of Birtukan and called on all Ethiopians to pressure the Government in every way possible to release Bertukan.He urged all Ethiopians to light six candles asked all Ethiopians to write a letter to the President demanding Bertukan’s release.

A two hours movie depicting Ghandi’s peaceful struggle to free India from British colonialism, the peaceful struggle of the South Africans against apartheid and the struggle of African Americans for civil rights was shown.

The occasion was observed at the Imperial Hotel where more than five hundred members and supporters of the Party attended the event.

A similar event took place in Debre Markos where Engineer Gizachew is leading a delegation to the region to bolster the morale of our members and supporters of our Party and strengthen the Party activities there. Gojjam is a stronghold of our Party where there are fearless and dedicated members of the Party.

The occasion was opened with a speech by Engineer Gizachew who explained to the gathering the illegality of Birtukan’s imprisonment.Several speeches were made by local leaders of the Party who deplored Bertukan’s incarceration. The delegation will continue to meet and discuss with local Party leaders and members until Tuesday 30 June 2009.