Human Rights Watch Honors Daniel Bekele

1 October, 2009 | Human Rights Watch

    In the ever-shrinking space for
    freedom of expression and
    association in Ethiopia, Daniel Bekele
    has faced heavy-handed government
    repression as a prominent anti-
    poverty activist and human rights
    lawyer. Daniel has dedicated his life
    to building a vibrant civil society and
    strengthening human rights in a
country where freedom of expression and other fundamental rights are
severely constricted.

After leading grassroots efforts to promote voter education and election
monitoring Daniel was arrested following the controversial 2005
parliamentary elections and spent two and a half years in prison on
politically motivated charges of conspiracy and incitement to overthrow
the government. He and fellow human rights activist Netsanet Demissie
were the last two people released after a high-profile trial that originally
charged 131 journalists, politicians, and civil society leaders with crimes
ranging from genocide to treason.

Although he had an opportunity to secure his early release by joining co-
defendants in signing a letter of apology to the government, Daniel
instead chose to stand trial and contest the charges in court, testing the
rule of law as a matter of principle. He was eventually convicted in a
deeply flawed trial in which even the judges acknowledged that Daniel
and Netsanet's civil society activities were legitimate and even
commendable.

Since his release in 2008, the Ethiopian government has adopted the
Charities and Societies Proclamation, a new law on nongovernmental
organizations that is so restrictive as to make the work of most human
rights groups in Ethiopia illegal. Human Rights Watch honors Daniel
Bekele who, at great personal risk, challenges the Ethiopian government
to uphold the civil and political rights that protect all people.

Daniel Bekele made the following statement upon hearing
about the award announcement:
"I accept such a prestigious award with a genuine sense of
humility. I hold this award in the name of my fellow colleagues
working for the promotion of human rights in Ethiopia. I am
humbled by such global level recognition of the human rights
work in Ethiopia; but it is also a constant reminder of the
human rights situation in my country.

Poverty, political conflict and lack of good governance have
created a disheartening socio-political quagmire and a very
poor record of human rights; however, a gradual transition to
rule of law and a peaceful democratic political order is not
entirely hopeless. While a constitutional level guarantee of
human rights is a positive step forward; the real protection of
the most basic human rights remains a daunting challenge. I
hope we shall overcome the seemingly insurmountable
challenges with citizens re-engaging in democracy in a peaceful
way.

I thank Human Rights Watch for this award and its valuable
work; and I thank my family, fellow colleagues and friends
globally for your kind support."

                                           Courtesy
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