Jailed Kinijit leaders (Front from L) Prof. Mesfin Woldemariam, V-flashing Debebe Eshetu, Ms. Nigist G. Hiwot, Kinijit Vice President Ms. Bertukan Mideksa, among others, are seen returning to prison after a court hearing on December 22, 2005. The kangaroo court today found the opposition leaders guilty of crimes that carry the death penalty or at least 25 years behind bars.
By Prof. Al Mariam, ethiomedia.com, 11 June 2007
When I learned of the expected news of the “conviction” of the Great Patriots in Zenawi’s kangaroo court this morning, my initial reaction was not disappointment or sadness. It was a deep and overwhelming sense of pride in the personal sacrifices and extraordinary courage shown by these Great Patriots for their country and people. As I thought about the Great Patriots, I began to imagine:
But soon I ran out of words. And so, I could only say: Oh! Great Patriots, ever was so much owed by so many to so few!
I have no words or phrases to sing you praises or express my deepest gratitude. I only thank God that I was born on the same piece of His good earth that you now stand to defend to the end. My cup runneth over!
And then I thought of Zenawi and his pathetic judicial crew on the stage of justice.
On that stage, open for the world to see, Zenawi made a travesty of justice. He perverted truth and glorified naked perjury. He dressed up falsehood in the garb of righteousness, and mocked the very idea of due process. He thumbed his nose at international law and the court of world opinion. He put on a theatre of the absurd, and what was on stage to see was only the monstrosity of his regime.
Now, with the news of this “conviction”, Zenawi hopes to break our spirits and hearts. He expects us to rant and rave. He hopes he will be able to distract our attention.
But let’s not waste much time with him.
Zenawi is irrelevant to the cause of justice in Ethiopia. If we have anything to say to him, it is this: “Zenawi, Let the Great Patriots Go! Let our people go!”
So, what do we do now? There is plenty to do. But first, patriotic Ethiopians, let us put on a mighty celebration for our heroes.
Let us sing their praises. Let us thank them ourselves, and on behalf of generations to come.
Let us use their suffering as a testament to freedom, democracy and human rights in Ethiopia.
Let us carry on their message of hope and freedom to the four corners of the world.
Let us use their sacrifices as a memorial for the cause of freedom and justice in Ethiopia; and redouble our efforts and strengthen our commitment to Ethiopia.
Let us keep them in our prayers. Let’s pray their courage of conviction and commitment to truth, justice, freedom and human rights will remain as sold as the Rock of Ages.
May God bless the Great Patriots!
May he keep them safe for that day of FREEDOM soon to come, when they will rejoin their countrymen and women and say: “Free at last, Free at last. Thank God Almighty, we are free at last.”