The Seven Ethiopian Women Demonstrators must be Released

Center for the Rights of Ethiopian Women (CREW) is deeply disturbed by the arrest of seven young women accused of unlawfully holding a demonstration during the Great Ethiopian Women Run that was held on Sunday, March 9, 2014. On Friday March 14, 2014 they were brought to court and the court denied them bail and sent them back to jail.

During the Great Ethiopian Women Run of 2014, several young Ethiopian women chanted for freedom in their country and demanded the government to free jailed journalists and political prisoners. They voiced about the unbearable cost of living in the country. They also expressed that they are proud daughters of Emperor Menilik and Queen Taitu. These were the messages, which subjected them to be arrested and detained as criminals. None of the reports, including videos and local news, indicated any violent acts or messages by these young women. They were unarmed. Neither public disturbances nor any violent situations were created as the result of their demonstration. They were peacefully conveying their messages to the public using the occasion. Read More