The Ethiopian government will drop charges against political prisoners and close a notorious prison camp in a bid to ‘widen the democratic space for all.’

The announcement made by Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn comes after days of consultations within the ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) coalition. Ethiopia to release all political prisoners and close notorious jail

Prime Minster Hailemariam Desalegn's surprise comments came after anti-government protests engulfed much of the Oromia and Amhara regions in recent months, affecting businesses and transport networks. The sometimes deadly protests, the most serious since the current government came to power in 1991, spread into other parts of the East African country, leading to a months-long state of emergency that has since been lifted. Spokesman, Zadig Abraha, insisted the country had no political prisoners and that “some members of political parties and other individuals that have been allegedly suspected of committing crimes and those convicted will be pardoned or their cases interrupted, based on an assessment that will be made.”

It remains unclear how many political prisoners are being held in the country or when they will be released. “And the notorious prison cell that was traditionally called Maekelawi will be closed down and turned into a museum.”

The Prime Minister said charges will be dropped for all “political prisoners” who are currently under prosecution and pardons will be issued to all who have already been convicted and are serving their sentences in order to create the space for a national dialogue and national consensus. “And the notorious prison cell that was traditionally called Maekelawi will be closed down and turned into a museum.”

Ethiopians were quick to respond, even with social media sites currently blocked. “I’m writing you this struggling with my tears,” wrote renowned blogger and former detainee Befeqadu Hailu. A spokesman, Zadig Abraha, told The Associated Press that the country has no political prisoners and that “some members of political parties and other individuals that have been allegedly suspected of committing crimes and those convicted will be pardoned or their cases interrupted, based on an assessment that will be made.”

Rights groups and opposition groups in Ethiopia had been calling for the release of political prisoners, saying they were arrested on trumped-up charges and punished for their points of view. Ethiopia’s government has long been accused of arresting critical journalists and opposition leaders. “All these pledges need to be implemented immediately.”

Tens of thousands of people were arrested, and reportedly hundreds were killed, during the protests demanding wider freedoms that began in late 2015 and disrupted one of Africa’s fastest growing economies.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn announces that Ethiopia will drop charges against all political prisoners and close down the infamous prison camp of Maekelawi.