The Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP) has released a forceful statement calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and “prisoners of conscience.” The party accused the Prosperity Party-led government of systemic repression, arbitrary arrests, and widespread human rights violations.
EPRP strongly criticized the continued detention of opposition figures, journalists, human rights advocates, and community leaders, highlighting what it describes as abuses of due process and mistreatment of detainees.
Among those named are Christian Tadele, a sitting member of parliament allegedly jailed without the lifting of his immunity; Yohannes Buayalew of the Amhara Regional Council; Dr. Kassa Teshager from the Addis Ababa City Council; and Yohannes Tesema of the Boro Democratic Party. The EPRP claims these individuals remain imprisoned under harsh conditions.
“The government fabricates charges and manipulates the judicial process through endless delays,” the statement reads, further alleging that detainees’ personal electronics have been seized under false pretenses—actions the party labeled as “outright robbery.”
EPRP condemned what it sees as an authoritarian campaign targeting citizens based on ethnicity, political affiliation, and beliefs. The statement urged the government to fulfill its constitutional duties or face accountability.
The party also criticized the ongoing “Ethiopia is in Consultation” initiative led by the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC), calling it opaque and ineffective. EPRP argued the process is being used to distract from internal conflict and political crackdowns, questioning whether the ruling party is simply repackaging opinions from loyal supporters as public consensus.
According to the party, genuine national dialogue requires an end to violence and the release of political prisoners. “Rather than pursuing peaceful solutions, the government seeks to dominate through force,” the statement declared, branding the commission a mere “distraction” that enables continued authoritarian rule.
EPRP said that the hopes for democratic reform under the Prosperity Party have “vanished like mist,” warning that peaceful activism is increasingly met with repression, pushing some citizens toward armed resistance.
The party emphasized that sustainable peace and democracy can only be achieved through the protection of human rights, rule of law, and freedom from fear. “All Ethiopians must fight to make this vision a reality,” the party urged.
The statement concluded with a call for unity among Ethiopians at home and abroad, encouraging the diaspora to amplify human rights abuses on international platforms. EPRP reaffirmed its solidarity with all those it believes are unjustly imprisoned and held the ruling party responsible for placing the nation at risk through its actions.
