(Mar 30, 2013, (Qatar))--Independent journalists in Ethiopia face grave threat of imprisonment if they criticise the state or its laws. Although Ethiopia has its first new prime minister in 17 years - so
far, the government has failed to right a long history of wrongs.
With prisoners of conscience still languishing in its prisons, Ethiopia must receive the clear message - especially from allies like the United States - that continued human rights violations will not be tolerated. My journey to become a political prisoner in Ethiopia began as a federal judge fighting to uphold the rule of law.
Despite institutional challenges and even death threats, I hoped to use constitutional principles to ensure respect for basic rights. But, having witnessed firsthand the government disregard for fundamental constitutional rules, I joined the opposition and became the first woman to hold a high-level position in an Ethiopian political party.
Our party - the Coalition for Unity and Democracy - contested the 2005 elections with a multiethnic platform based on economic liberalism and respect for individual rights. As momentum gathered, many hoped change had finally arrived in Ethiopia. Read more from Al Jazeera, Qatar »
With prisoners of conscience still languishing in its prisons, Ethiopia must receive the clear message - especially from allies like the United States - that continued human rights violations will not be tolerated. My journey to become a political prisoner in Ethiopia began as a federal judge fighting to uphold the rule of law.
Despite institutional challenges and even death threats, I hoped to use constitutional principles to ensure respect for basic rights. But, having witnessed firsthand the government disregard for fundamental constitutional rules, I joined the opposition and became the first woman to hold a high-level position in an Ethiopian political party.
Our party - the Coalition for Unity and Democracy - contested the 2005 elections with a multiethnic platform based on economic liberalism and respect for individual rights. As momentum gathered, many hoped change had finally arrived in Ethiopia. Read more from Al Jazeera, Qatar »
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