Industrial Union 620
Anteneh Getnet, Meqcha Mengistu and Tilahun Ayalew
The climate between ETA and authorities has been so hostile [predominantly, as ever, due to the actions of the state] that last year ETA lodged a formal complaint with the International Labour Organisation over state harassment and interference with ETA's members and organisational functions. Thankfully, ETA currently remains strong, with widespread support from teachers and their communities, but recent events have produced an international outcry.
Anteneh Getnet, a leading activist for ETA, was captured and tortured by so far unidentified men in May 2006. As a result of his torture he was unable to return to teaching, and has now once again been abducted by state officials and reportedly beaten badly. Similarly, Tilahun Ayalew, another prominent ETA activist, was arrested on his way to work and has since received heavy torture while in prison. Neither have had access to a lawyer, and have been held largely incommunicado.
The third ETA activist, Meqcha Mengistu, disappeared in December, and has not been seen since. He had been under close surveillance and harassment by the Ethiopian government after his attendance at the ETA national conference earlier that month.
TAKE ACTION NOW!
>> Write to the Ethiopian Prime Minister demanding the release of the prisnoers and an end to harassment and intimidation of ETA activists!
Write to: His Excellency Meles Zenawi, Prime Minister, PO Box 1031, Addis Ababa, Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Or you can fax your letter to +251 11 552020
>> Write messages of solidarity to ETA! Write to Gemoraw Kassa, General Secretary, Ethiopian Teachers' Association, PO Box 1639, Addis Ababa, Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Or fax +251 11 5512826
>> Forward this appeal to fellow workers, unions, and supporters of free association!