Introduction
Andargachew Tsege, commonly known as Andy, is a British-Ethiopian citizen who mysteriously disappeared in Yemen in 2014 while en route to Eritrea. It was later discovered that he had been detained by the Ethiopian government and has been held without trial ever since. His case has sparked controversies and debates on human rights violations, international law, and freedom of speech.
Section 1: Who is Andargachew Tsege?
Andargachew Tsege, born in Ethiopia in 1955, is a prominent activist and member of the opposition group, Ginbot 7. He fled to the UK in 1979 and gained British citizenship in 1989. Tsege was a vocal critic of the Ethiopian government and an advocate for democracy in his home country.
Section 2: What happened to Andargachew Tsege?
On June 23, 2014, Tsege boarded a flight from Dubai to Asmara, Eritrea, but was abducted by Ethiopian security forces while in transit at Sana’a International Airport, Yemen. He was then transferred to Ethiopia and held incommunicado. It wasn’t until six months later that news of his detention emerged.
Section 3: Why was Andargachew Tsege detained?
The Ethiopian government accused Tsege of terrorism and sentenced him to death in absentia in 2009. However, his family and supporters argue that these charges were politically motivated and that he was targeted for his activism against the Ethiopian government.
Section 4: What has been the response from the UK government?
The UK government has expressed concerns over Tsege’s detention and raised the issue with the Ethiopian government on several occasions. However, Tsege’s family and supporters argue that the UK government has not done enough to secure his release.
Section 5: What has been the response from international organizations?
International organizations, including the United Nations, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Amnesty International, have called for Tsege’s release and expressed concerns over his detention and lack of due process.
Section 6: What has been the response from the Ethiopian government?
The Ethiopian government has defended Tsege’s detention, arguing that he is a terrorist and that due process is being followed. However, the government has not provided evidence to support these claims, and Tsege has been held without trial for over six years.
Section 7: How has Tsege’s detention affected his family?
Tsege’s family has been campaigning for his release since his detention, but they have faced harassment and intimidation from the Ethiopian government. His children have grown up without a father, and his partner has been left to raise their three children alone.
Section 8: What is the current status of Andargachew Tsege?
As of 2020, Tsege remains in detention in Ethiopia, and his family and supporters continue to call for his release. His case highlights the human rights abuses and lack of due process that often occur in authoritarian regimes.
Conclusion
Andargachew Tsege’s case represents a broader trend of government abuses of power and violations of human rights in Ethiopia and other authoritarian states. His continued detention without trial is a stark reminder of the importance of protecting freedom of speech and the rule of law.
FAQs
1. Why was Andargachew Tsege detained?
A: The Ethiopian government accused Tsege of terrorism and sentenced him to death in absentia in 2009.
2. What has been the response from the UK government?
A: The UK government has expressed concerns over Tsege’s detention and raised the issue with the Ethiopian government on several occasions.
3. What has been the response from international organizations?
A: International organizations, including the United Nations, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Amnesty International, have called for Tsege’s release and expressed concerns over his detention and lack of due process.
4. How has Tsege’s detention affected his family?
A: Tsege’s family has faced harassment and intimidation from the Ethiopian government, and his children have grown up without a father.
5. What is the current status of Andargachew Tsege?
A: As of 2020, Tsege remains in detention in Ethiopia, and his family and supporters continue to call for his release.
0 comments