The government of Ethiopia released 600 political prisoners, including Christian Tadele, a member of parliament, on the eve the Ethiopian New Year on Thursday.
In a statement seen by APA on Friday, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said it had facilitated the release of the political prisoners in a bid to resolving differences through dialogue, understanding and peaceful means.
A month ago, the political prisoners rejected a conditional pardon offered to them by the government which required them to sign a document, admitting that they are guilty of different crimes.
EHRC said it worked for five months for their release. The prisoners turned down the government’s clemency.
The defendants turned down the state’s clemency offer following exploratory discussions facilitated between the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and federal government authorities.
EHRC Chief Commissioner Birhanu Adelo hailed the government’s move as “instrumental” in turning the process into a concrete outcome. He said regional governments also played their respective roles in facilitating the releases.
“The release of the 600 prisoners, including Christian Tadele, was described by the Commission as a unique chapter in Ethiopia’s history and a concrete indication of efforts to strengthen the rule of law, protect individual rights and advance sustainable peace,” he said.
In his Ethiopian New Year message, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the release was intended to implement the outcomes of the National Dialogue through love, forgiveness and peace.
He said those released are expected to make positive contributions to peace and democracy, learn from the past and make the future a path of peace and democratic engagement. He also called on society to support and advise them.
MG/as/APA