AMERICAN ETHIOPIAN PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (AEPAC) URGENT APPEAL FOR THE RELEASE OF ETHIOPIAN JOURNALISTS AND PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE The American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee (AEPAC) is deeply concerned about the prolonged detention, reported coercion, and alleged mistreatment of Ethiopian journalists and prisoners of conscience. We are particularly concerned about reports of deteriorating health, harsh detention conditions, and pressure on detainees to admit guilt. We believe that every person deserves dignity, humane treatment, access to necessary medical care, and a fair judicial process. We call on Ethiopian authorities, the United States government, and the international community to take urgent and meaningful action to protect lives, uphold fundamental freedoms, and ensure respect for the rule of law. 1. Immediate Release of Journalist Abay Zewdu According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), journalist Abay Zewdu has been detained since August 10, 2023, in connection with his reporting on the conflict in Ethiopia’s Amhara region. He faces terrorism charges that could carry the death penalty if convicted. Reports that he has been pressured to sign an apology admitting wrongdoing and pledge to abandon journalism are deeply troubling. Journalists must be able to carry out their professional responsibilities without intimidation, retaliation, or pressure to abandon their work. We join CPJ in calling for Abay Zewdu’s immediate release and urge Ethiopian authorities to respect press freedom and protect journalists from intimidation and arbitrary detention. Freedom of expression is protected under Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Ethiopia is a party. Restrictions on this right must comply with international law. 2. Dr. Wondwossen Assefa: Urgent Concerns for His Health and Safety We are deeply concerned about the reported health deterioration of Dr. Wondwossen Assefa, who has reportedly spent approximately three years in detention. Reports indicate that he was transferred to a prison facility with harsher conditions after refusing to sign a letter admitting guilt. These allegations raise serious concerns about possible coercion, punitive treatment, and respect for due process. No detainee should be subjected to mistreatment or pressured into signing a confession. Every person deprived of liberty must be treated humanely, protected from abuse, and provided with necessary medical attention. We call on Ethiopian authorities to release Dr. Wondwossen Assefa immediately, ensure that he receives urgent and independent medical care, and take all necessary steps to protect his health, safety, and dignity. Given the reported deterioration of his condition, we believe immediate intervention is essential. 3. Immediate Release of All 28 Detainees We are also deeply concerned about the 28 detainees who have reportedly spent approximately three years in detention without their guilt being established through a fair judicial process. Prolonged detention raises serious concerns about personal liberty, access to justice, and the right to a fair hearing. It also places an enormous emotional and financial burden on detainees and their families. We call on Ethiopian authorities to review these cases urgently and take immediate steps toward a fair and humane resolution. As an immediate humanitarian measure, we urge the authorities to release all 28 detainees on bail into the care of their families while the necessary procedures for their unconditional release are completed. All detainees whose health has been affected must receive timely and appropriate medical attention. Their families should not have to endure further uncertainty about the safety and well-being of their loved ones. 4. International Human Rights and Legal Obligations The reported circumstances raise concerns under international human rights law, particularly the following instruments: International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) Ethiopia is a party to the ICCPR. Relevant protections include: • Article 7: Prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. • Article 9: Protects against arbitrary arrest and detention. • Article 10: Requires humane treatment and respect for the dignity of persons deprived of liberty. • Article 14: Guarantees fair-trial protections, including safeguards against compelled self-incrimination. • Article 19: Protects freedom of expression. Convention against Torture (CAT) Ethiopia is also a party to the Convention against Torture, which prohibits torture and requires measures to prevent it. Article 16 addresses other acts of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment within the Convention’s scope. We call on Ethiopian authorities to uphold these international obligations, investigate credible allegations of mistreatment, provide necessary medical care, respect fair-trial guarantees, and protect freedom of expression. 5. Urgent Appeal to the U.S. Embassy and Secretary of State Marco Rubio We respectfully appeal to the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa to bring these cases to the immediate attention of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and engage Ethiopian authorities through appropriate diplomatic channels. We ask Secretary Rubio and the U.S. government to: • Advocate for the immediate release of journalist Abay Zewdu and the protection of press freedom in Ethiopia. • Call for the immediate release of Dr. Wondwossen Assefa, ensuring urgent medical care and protection from further harm. • Urge the release on bail of all 28 detainees while arrangements for their unconditional release are completed. • Raise concerns about reported coercion, harsh detention conditions, and possible mistreatment, and call for independent investigations where warranted. • Urge respect for Ethiopia’s international human rights obligations, including protections against arbitrary detention, torture, cruel treatment, and unjustified restrictions on freedom of expression. We believe constructive diplomatic engagement can help prevent further harm, protect fundamental freedoms, and encourage respect for human dignity. We ask the United States government to give these cases the serious and timely attention they deserve. A CALL FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION The reported circumstances surrounding these detentions raise serious concerns about due process, freedom of expression, arbitrary detention, and protection against inhumane treatment. Journalism is not a crime. Peaceful dissent is not a crime. No one should be forced to confess to secure freedom or be denied essential medical care while in detention. We believe protecting human rights is a shared responsibility. Governments, diplomatic institutions, civil society organizations, and the international community all have a role to play in safeguarding human dignity and ensuring justice. The American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee (AEPAC) remains committed to strengthening U.S.–Ethiopia relations on the basis of mutual respect, shared interests, democracy, accountability, and human dignity. In that spirit, we call on Ethiopian authorities to act without further delay, and we urge the United States and the international community to use appropriate diplomatic channels to help protect lives, uphold justice, and reunite detainees with their families. We ask all relevant authorities to take these concerns seriously and respond with the urgency, compassion, and humanity that these circumstances require. Justice delayed must not become lives lost. @WhiteHouse @StateDept @USEmbassyAddis @UAEthio @UNOSAPG @VP @realDonaldTrump @TheIRD, @StateDRL, @AsstSecStateAF, @richghazal, @markdtooley, @OrthodoxyNews, @USEmbassyAddis,@indefchristians, @RepJohnJames,@housegop, @Repsarajacobs, @YoungKimCA, @RepJimBaird, @CongressmanKean, @RepMillsPress, @RepGaramendi, @jakejsullivan, @IMFNews, @StateDept, @JusticeOfficeUS, @WorldBank, @WorldBankAfrica, @StateIRF, @USCIRF, @IrfSecretariat, @Sean_ADFIntl, @michaelgwaltz,@RepMarkWalker,@RepRileyMoore,@TomColeOk04,@HouseAppropsGOP,@LaurenBinDC,@SecRubio

Freedom of Religion Is a Fundamental Right Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right, protected by the Constitution of Ethiopia and recognized under international law. Yet Christians in Ethiopia continue to face grave violence, persecution, and atrocities that demand greater attention and a meaningful response from the international community. AEPAC invites you to an important webinar examining the root causes of atrocities against Christians in Ethiopia, their broader implications for religious freedom and human rights, and the critical role of the American Ethiopian diaspora in raising awareness and mobilizing meaningful action. The American Ethiopian community has both a voice and a responsibility. Together, we can elevate these urgent concerns, engage policymakers, and ensure that the persecution of Christians in Ethiopia is heard and addressed by U.S. governmental and nongovernmental institutions and the broader international community. Join us to learn, speak out, and take action. Religious freedom is not a privilege—it is a fundamental right. Protecting that right requires our collective voice, vigilance, and commitment to justice, accountability, and peace.

AEPAC Ethiopian New Year Statement: Let 2019 Be a Year of Freedom, Justice, and National Renewal September 11, 2026 As Ethiopia’s calendar turns to 2019, the American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee (AEPAC) extends its wishes for peace, justice, reconciliation, and national renewal to Ethiopians at home and throughout the world. A New Year should open the door to hope. Yet Ethiopia cannot meaningfully celebrate renewal while journalists and other detainees remain behind bars for years without the timely resolution of their cases, and while freedom itself is reportedly conditioned upon accepting responsibility for crimes that defendants continue to contest before the courts. Today, we draw particular attention to five Ethiopian journalists—Gobeze Sisay, Meskerem Abera, Genet Asmamaw, Dawit Begashaw, and Abay Zewdu—who have spent approximately three years in detention while facing terrorism-related charges. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called for their immediate release. Their prolonged detention is deeply troubling. Even more disturbing are reports that authorities have sought written statements from detainees accepting responsibility for the country's conflict, loss of life, and destruction of property, along with commitments not to engage in similar activities in the future. According to CPJ, media reports indicate that more than 300 politicians, journalists, and other detainees facing terrorism-related charges were asked to sign such apology letters. Approximately 30 reportedly refused, maintaining that they would not declare themselves criminals while continuing to contest the charges against them. That raises a fundamental question of justice: How can people who have not been finally convicted be required to accept guilt as the price of their freedom? Due process cannot require an accused person to abandon the presumption of innocence in exchange for release. Justice cannot depend upon a confession obtained while a defendant remains imprisoned and the case remains unresolved. The situation of the five journalists is particularly urgent. Their cases have experienced repeated delays, and the charges they face carry extraordinarily severe potential penalties, including life imprisonment or, according to CPJ, the death penalty. AEPAC recognizes that every government has a legitimate responsibility to protect civilians, investigate genuine crimes, and preserve public security. But national security must never become a blanket justification for prolonged detention, coercion, suppression of journalism, or the erosion of fundamental due-process protections. The rule of law is measured not simply by the power of the state to prosecute, but by its willingness to protect the rights of the accused. Journalism is not terrorism. Reporting on conflict, documenting suffering, questioning government policy, interviewing opposition figures, or giving voice to public grievances must not, by themselves, become grounds for treating journalists as enemies of the state. A government confident in its institutions should answer journalism with facts, criticism with debate, and alleged criminal conduct through independent courts and fair, timely proceedings. As Ethiopia enters 2019, AEPAC calls upon the Ethiopian government to release journalists detained for legitimate journalistic activity; end any effort to condition freedom upon self-incriminating declarations; guarantee prompt, independent, and transparent judicial proceedings for all detainees; and uphold Ethiopia’s constitutional and international obligations regarding freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and due process. We further call upon the United States, the European Union, international human-rights and press-freedom organizations, and Ethiopia’s international partners to make respect for fundamental freedoms and the rule of law an essential part of their engagement with the Ethiopian government. Ethiopia is one of the world’s ancient nations. Its history is far greater than the political conflicts of the present moment. Its people deserve a country where political differences are resolved through institutions rather than imprisonment; where disagreement is answered through dialogue rather than violence; and where journalists can report without fearing that their work will cost them their freedom. As Ethiopians welcome a New Year, the government has an opportunity to send a powerful message that 2019 will be different. Let the prison doors open for those held for exercising legitimate freedoms. Let justice replace coercion. Let dialogue replace political imprisonment. Let the rule of law prevail over the rule of fear. And let 2019 mark the beginning of a national recommitment to human dignity, freedom, reconciliation, and justice. Release the journalists. Respect due process. Let Ethiopia’s New Year begin with freedom. መልካም አዲስ ዓመት — Happy Ethiopian New Year. American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee (AEPAC) 👇🔗 cpj.org/2026/08/in-ethiopia-… @WhiteHouse @StateDept @USEmbassyAddis @UAEthio @UNOSAPG @VP @realDonaldTrump @TheIRD, @StateDRL, @AsstSecStateAF, @richghazal, @markdtooley, @OrthodoxyNews, @USEmbassyAddis @indefchristians, @RepJohnJames, @housegop, @Repsarajacobs, @YoungKimCA, @RepJimBaird, @CongressmanKean, @RepMillsPress, @RepGaramendi, @jakejsullivan, @IMFNews, @StateDept, @JusticeOfficeUS, @WorldBank, @WorldBankAfrica, @StateIRF, @USCIRF, @IrfSecretariat, @Sean_ADFIntl, @michaelgwaltz,@RepMarkWalker,@RepRileyMoore,@TomColeOk04,@HouseAppropsGOP,@LaurenBinDC,@SecRubio

AEPAC Statement on Reported Killings of Civilians and Attacks on Christian Communities in Ethiopia Philadelphia, PA — The American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee (AEPAC) is deeply alarmed by reports of renewed killings of civilians and attacks on Christian communities in Wollega, western Ethiopia , including particularly grave allegations emerging from East Wollega. For more than 120 years, the United States and Ethiopia have maintained an important bilateral relationship . AEPAC has consistently advocated for strengthening and expanding that partnership. Its long-term durability, however, depends not only on shared strategic interests, but also on stability, accountable governance, respect for human rights and religious freedom, and the protection of civilian life. Recent reports describe serious violence in East Wollega , including in and around Gida Ayana, Mender 3, Mender 22, Andode Dicho, Shashober, Fendika, Anger Gutin, and Limu-Gelila . Civilians, including members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, are reported to have been killed, while churches, homes, and other civilian property have reportedly been attacked or destroyed. Among the gravest allegations are reports concerning the Gind Ansa St. Michael Monastery in Mender 3, Gida Ayana Woreda , where sources on the ground report that more than 250 ethnic Amhara civilians were killed after seeking refuge at the monastery. The precise number of victims has not yet been independently established. Given the scale and seriousness of these allegations, an immediate, credible, transparent, and independent investigation is essential to establish the facts, identify the victims, determine responsibility, and preserve evidence. Equally disturbing are reports concerning the killing of Qomos Aba Tadesse , an Ethiopian Orthodox church administrator and member of the clergy in the Gida Ayana area. According to available reports, he and other clergy members were detained at Andode Selassie Church before he was killed. Allegations involving the detention and killing of religious leaders require urgent investigation and accountability. The violence has also reportedly extended to places of worship. Preliminary human-rights reporting has identified the burning of Kidist Selassie, Lemi-Teklehaimanot, Kidus Giyorgis, and Abuhe Churches in East Wollega. Churches, monasteries, clergy, and worshippers must never become targets of ethnic, religious, or political violence. Freedom of religion and the protection of places of worship are fundamental rights that must be defended. Reports have further identified Geda/Gadaa Commando forces and other armed groups as allegedly involved in attacks against civilians. These allegations must be independently investigated and responsibility determined on the basis of credible evidence. No government authority, regional security force, militia, or armed organization should be above the law. No Ethiopian should be targeted because of ethnicity, religion, political identity, or place of residence. Civilian Protection Is a Fundamental Responsibility of Government The repeated killing, displacement, and terrorization of civilians cannot be accepted as an inevitable consequence of Ethiopia's political conflicts. The protection of civilians is among the most fundamental responsibilities of government. Ethiopian federal and regional authorities have an obligation to prevent foreseeable attacks, protect vulnerable communities, provide humanitarian access, and ensure that allegations of serious abuses are investigated impartially. Where security institutions fail to protect civilians—or where members of those institutions are credibly accused of participating in abuses—there must be investigation, transparency, and accountability. Those responsible for atrocities must be held accountable through lawful and credible processes, *regardless of their political affiliation, ethnicity, government position, or organizational allegiance* . The United States Should Make Civilian Protection and Accountability a Priority The United States has a significant strategic interest in a peaceful, stable, democratic, and accountable Ethiopia . Lasting stability cannot be achieved while civilians remain vulnerable to recurring ethnic and religious violence. The U.S. Administration and Congress should use appropriate diplomatic and policy tools to press for civilian protection, independent investigation of reported atrocities, accountability for serious human-rights abuses, protection of religious freedom, humanitarian access, and a credible political process capable of addressing the underlying causes of Ethiopia's continuing conflicts. This is also why AEPAC has supported H.Res. 937 and broader congressional efforts intended to strengthen the tools available to the United States to advance peace, accountability, civilian protection, and long-term stability in Ethiopia. A Stronger U.S.–Ethiopia Partnership Must Be Built on a Stronger Foundation The future of U.S.–Ethiopia relations should not be measured solely by cooperation between governments or short-term geopolitical interests. The strongest and most sustainable relationship will be one built between the American and Ethiopian peoples , supported by institutions that respect human dignity and protect the rights of every citizen. A strengthened partnership must therefore rest on a durable foundation of democracy, accountable governance, human rights, religious freedom, equality before the law, civilian protection, and respect for human dignity. The people of Ethiopia deserve peace. They deserve security. They deserve the freedom to worship without fear. And they deserve institutions capable of protecting them and delivering justice when serious crimes are committed. The violence must end. Civilians and religious communities must be protected. The facts must be independently established, and those responsible for atrocities must be held accountable. 👇🏻🖇️ youtu.be/_OsTQPI4714?is=TXrQ… @WhiteHouse @StateDept @USEmbassyAddis @UAEthio @UNOSAPG @VP @realDonaldTrump @TheIRD, @StateDRL, @AsstSecStateAF, @richghazal, @markdtooley, @OrthodoxyNews, @USEmbassyAddis @indefchristians, @RepJohnJames, @housegop, @Repsarajacobs, @YoungKimCA, @RepJimBaird, @CongressmanKean, @RepMillsPress, @RepGaramendi, @jakejsullivan, @IMFNews, @StateDept, @JusticeOfficeUS, @WorldBank, @WorldBankAfrica, @StateIRF, @USCIRF, @IrfSecretariat, @Sean_ADFIntl, @michaelgwaltz,@RepMarkWalker,@RepRileyMoore,@TomColeOk04,@HouseAppropsGOP,@LaurenBinDC,@SecRubio

Ethnic-Based Targeting of Amharas: AEPAC Condemns Reported Killings in Gurage Zone The American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee (AEPAC) strongly condemns the reported killing of three young men— Temesgen Getachew, Yetagesu Asgede, and Gizaw Girmaye—in Abeshge Woreda, Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia. According to local reports, the three men were reportedly forced to leave a public transportation vehicle after being identified as members of the Amhara ethnic group and were subsequently killed. Reports further allege the involvement of government security forces, together with local police and militia members. AEPAC calls for these allegations to be independently and transparently investigated. This reported incident is particularly alarming in light of a broader pattern of violence against Amhara civilians documented by international media. In a 2022 report, Al Jazeera described repeated massacres targeting Amhara civilians and reported growing fear and resentment, including concerns that being identified as Amhara could put individuals at grave risk. The report also highlighted public frustration over the government’s failure to adequately protect civilians and hold perpetrators accountable. If confirmed, the killings in Abeshge would represent another deeply disturbing example of ethnic profiling and identity-based violence. No Ethiopian citizen should be stopped, removed from a vehicle, attacked, or killed because of their ethnic identity. AEPAC therefore calls for an immediate, independent, transparent, and credible investigation into these reported killings. Any government officials, security personnel, militia members, or other individuals found responsible must be held accountable under the law. The Ethiopian government has a fundamental responsibility to protect every citizen equally, regardless of ethnicity. Continued failure to prevent ethnic-based killings or credibly prosecute those responsible risks deepening fear, resentment, and instability across the country. AEPAC urges international human-rights organizations, civil-society groups, and the international community not to remain silent. Independent monitoring, documentation, accountability, and effective protection of civilians are urgently needed. Ethiopia’s future depends on rejecting ethnic-based violence and ensuring equal protection, dignity, and justice for every citizen. Ethnic identity must never become a death sentence in Ethiopia. 👇🏻🔗 share.google/WuRE7BQ4O0nyDlI… @WhiteHouse @StateDept @USEmbassyAddis @UAEthio @UNOSAPG @VP @realDonaldTrump @TheIRD, @StateDRL, @AsstSecStateAF, @richghazal, @markdtooley, @OrthodoxyNews, @USEmbassyAddis @indefchristians,@RepJohnJames,@housegop, @Repsarajacobs, @YoungKimCA, @RepJimBaird, @CongressmanKean,@RepMillsPress, @RepGaramendi,@jakejsullivan, @IMFNews, @SecBlinken, @StateDept, @JusticeOfficeUS, @WorldBank, @WorldBankAfrica, @StateIRF, @USCIRF, @IrfSecretariat, @Sean_ADFIntl, @michaelgwaltz,@RepMarkWalker,@RepRileyMoore,@TomColeOk04,@HouseAppropsGOP