አርበኞች ግንቦት 7፣ የአንድነትና ዴሞክራሲ ንቅናቄ፣
Patriotic Ginbot7 Movement for the Unity and Democracy
For Immediate Release
RE: The British Court’s acquittal of Dr. Tadesse Kersmo of all charges is a Victory for Pro-democracy and Human Rights Activists Around the World
(Washington, D.C., December 21, 2017) Patriotic Ginbot 7 Movement for Unity and Democracy is extremely pleased that Dr. Tadesse Birru Kersmo, dedicated member of the Movement and a well-known pro-democracy activist has been found innocent of “terrorism” charges. The Acquittal of Dr. Kersmo of all charges is a significant victory for all pro-democracy activists in Ethiopia and around the world.
Dr. Kersmo fought these baseless charges against him with courage and tenacity. He fought the good fight with the support of his family, friends, admirers and solid support of the Ethiopian community at home and abroad. Patriotic Ginbot 7 Movement for Unity and Democracy is immensely proud of his steadfast focus to prove himself as a justice, democracy and human rights defender. Moreover, he once again has proven that his cause is just and all he is fighting for is for the same system that acquitted him to be established in Ethiopia. His unwavering commitment to mentor and educate the next generation leaders in Ethiopia that won him admiration and respect across the board.
Unfortunately, it is the brutal nature and policy of the regime in Ethiopia that sees intellectuals as enemies forced him to flee his country and seek refuge in his adopted country United Kingdom. While in the UK he has remained a responsible part of the UK society and active member of his community. His case has proven that where there is a true democracy and separation of power each function according the law of the land with the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” not the other way around as it is the case in Ethiopia. Majority of members of the Ethiopian diaspora in the UK and around the world fled envision independent judiciary and a democratic political system for their country.
It is with an immense joy and enthusiasm we are celebrating Dr. Kersemo’s acquittal. While the verdict is an individual victory for him and his family, we see it also as an affirmation of our cause which is establishing free and democratic order in Ethiopia. During the court proceedings our mission, vision and goals were presented to the judges and jury in which they understood as a struggle between tyranny and freedom by proclaiming Dr. Kersmo not guilty. This verdict gives the people of Ethiopia and Patriotic Ginbot 7 Movement for Unity and Democracy an extra wind at our backs to solidify and continue our fight to which Dr. Kersmo is valuable contributor to the struggle. Patriotic Ginbot Movement for Unity and Democracy once again urges the British government to review and reconsider its policy towards the authoritarian regime in Ethiopia.
Finally, we applaud the valiant determination of his exceptional legal team, without whom Dr. Kersmo would have been powerless to defend himself to prove his innocence. We are grateful for their judicious counsel and their great victory in the UK court of law.
We also thank the jury that rendered their just verdict and hope someday soon that we can build a democratic system in Ethiopia with a truly independent judiciary that respects the law of the land and renders judgement solely on the merits of the case.
Justice, liberty, and Unity for the people of Ethiopia!
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