Abbay Media

Updated on 14th May 2009 with Part 2 video

Watch video of the Candle-light Vigil including a speech by Mrs Shewaye Kiros, member of the UDJ party Executive Committee.

Part One:

Part Two:

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Posted 11th May 2009

Joint report by Dr Biri Yaya and Dr Joseph Malik

Abbay Media

London | 11th May 2009; As part of an ongoing International campaign to free the unjustly imprisoned UDJ party leader Judge Birtukan Mideksa, the UDJ Support Committee in the UK successfully organised a candle-light vigil in London on 10 May 2009. The event that took place in the Ethiopian Community in Britain, was attended by large number of Ethiopians and friends of Ethiopia. Welcoming the participants and Mrs Shewaye Kiros, member of the UDJ party Executive Committee, Mr Zelalem Tesema and Abebe Tolossa outlined the objective of the vigil i.e. to express solidarity with Judge Birtukan Midekssa and support her family. They noted that Birtukan was feared by the ruling TPLF/EPRDF regime due to her popular mass base.

Mrs Shewaye Kiros made a passionate keynote speech referring to Birtukan as a friend and political colleague who is an exemplary for many Ethiopians especially women and young people.

Mrs Kiros contrasted Birtukan’s inspirational leadership with the ruling party’s poverty inducing philosophy and policies. Mrs Shewaye, referenced Birtukan’s own very last and famous letter known as ‘Kale’ where Birtukan has clearly underlined that the intimidations and warnings given to her at the time by the ruling party have the objective of sending her to jail under a false pretext to weaken the UDJ party and to warn other politicians who are considered, by the regime, opponents in the peaceful struggle. She appealed to Ethiopians to stand together in pursuit of causes for peace, justice, democracy, equality and freedom as tribute to Birtukan and others in the struggle for democratic system in Ethiopia.

A young Ethiopian girl, Helina Kassaye read out inspiring and spiritual highlights on democracy, the rule of law and freedom. During the intersession periods video documentary about Birtukan’s contributions and political activism were shown to the audience. Another speaker, Daniel, read out an uplifting poem in praise of Birtukan, her leadership and resilience.

The highest pick of the event was a live interview on the phone with Judge Birtukan’s mother, Woizero (Mrs) Almaz, who moved the audience into tears by her account of the supporting task she has to do for her daughter and grand-daughter at her advanced age- the only adult allowed to visit Birtukan for just 30 minutes in the weekends. Woizero Almaz said on the phone: “Birtukan is my only precious girl that I thought would look after me and her daughter too. However, as a matter of life misfortune, I have to be in her role and then only be reduced to twice weekly 30 minutes visitation to my daughter”.

Dr Yakob H/Mariam, member of the Executive Committee of UDJP stated in an interview by phone link that the organisation is doing its level best to secure the release of their leader, Judge Birtukan. He also highlighted the party’s activities in the diplomatic and political front. He finally, appealed to the Diaspora to continue supporting UDJP.

Among the audience, Dr Biri Yaya paid tribute to Birtukan’s qualities of leadership (listening, transparency, leading by example, humbleness, and breakthrough in gender equality). He said: “Birtukan symbolises the ideals of a good leader that Ethiopia needs badly. Her imprisonment represents what is wrong with the current regime in Ethiopia-the absence of the rule of law. It is only when all Ethiopians work together that we shall secure the release of Birtukan and all political prisoners so as to pave the way for the system based on the rule of law.”

Lika-Mehmran Abebaw Yegizaw read out a poem in honour of Judge Birtukan Midekssa. This was an uplifting piece that the audience liked and applauded with a standing ovation. Ms Svetalana, who narrated her own account of being the victim the TPLF/EPRDF regime, appealed for unity of purpose among Ethiopians.

 Miss Hanna, a member of support committee in the UK, presented a very comprehensive account of what the examples of Judge Birtukan would mean to various Ethiopian strata. She also emphasised the determination required for such struggle without being detracted and caving into the overnight pseudo inventions of the regime such as the recent “desperadoes coup plot” stories. In summary Hanna, stated that only by following the ideals that Birtukan selflessly ignited and championed would we be able to establish a fair and democratic system in Ethiopia.

The participants passed a resolution by endorsing the organising committee’s call for all-round support to UDJP and endeavour to create cohesion amongst all stake holders to continue the struggle.

When it came to singing the traditional national anthem of Ethiopia, the audience rose to their feet, a clear indication of the success of the event and the emotions it generated, especially among the young Ethiopians who sang loud in a beautiful chorus – “E-t-h-i-o-p-i-a   H-a-g-a-r-a-c h-i-n  E-t-h-i-o-p-i-a  M-a-m-a-k-i-a-c-h-i-n!”.

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