The Ethiopian Health Professionals Association (EHPA) president, Yonatan Dagnaw, was arrested by security forces over the weekend amid a sweeping crackdown against protests by health professionals, demanding fair compensation.
Dagnew was practicing at Bichena Primary Hospital, in the Amhara region of Ethiopia when a police apprehended him, Melese Bata, deputy President of the Association has said.
The arrest came as thousands of medical professionals working in state-run hospitals across the country continue taking a rare and increasingly bold stance, demanding fair compensation and calling for immediate government response to their long-standing grievances.
“Yonatan was taken from his home this morning [Sunday] by security forces,” the EHPA stated in a statement to TIKVAH, a local media outlet calling for his “immediate release.”
The association expressed grave concern over what it called an attempt to silence professional advocacy. “Arresting and intimidating our president and other leaders cannot silence the legitimate demands of health professionals,” the statement said.
“We believe the president must be released immediately so that the concerns of healthcare professionals can be addressed urgently.”
EHPA also revealed that Yonatan had been summoned on Saturday under the pretext of being “wanted for questioning,” but was instead detained today. “His family informed us that he was taken from home, not merely questioned,” they added.
The association criticized the broader crackdown on professionals, stating: “Is it justifiable to detain people who advocate for solutions through dialogue simply because they are healthcare professionals? No one knows who’s next, and this is our message.”
EHPA insisted the arrest was not related to a personal matter. “The president was not detained for a private issue. He was representing the association. We call on all health professionals to show solidarity with him.”
Reports have also emerged that medical professionals in various regions — including Arbaminch, and Wolaita Sodo — are facing harassment and intimidation. EHPA noted that “health professionals in different areas are reportedly being intimidated.”
In Arbaminch, the association confirmed the arrest of three doctors: Dr. Barnabas Samuel, Dr. Melaku Almaw, and Dr. Habtamu Getachew. Their families say the arrests are related to recent protests and demands by healthcare workers.
APA reported a similar case in Agaro General Hospital, where three general practitioners — Dr. Alazar Kebede, Dr. Adamu Damtew, and Dr. Geda Sh. Hussen — were detained after posting photos in support of the protest. Independent verification efforts were unsuccessful.
MG/abj/APA