JIGJIGA(Halbeeg News)- The leaders of Ethiopia’s Somali regional state have released ten prisoners from JigJiga central prison known as Jail Ogaden according to the relatives of the freed people.
The released prisoners include two ex-ministers, a journalist, a medical officer, security officer and two officials of Jigjiga administration.
This development is part of several reforms that have taken place Ethiopian Prime minister, Abiy Ahmed has taken office April 2018.
Early last month, the president of Ethiopia’s Somali regional state Abdi Mohamud Omar has freed political figures including opponents and security forces from the jail.
Relatives of inmates queued around jail Ogaden to see their loved ones who served long term jails.
The move came after Human Rights watch released report on the abuses and violation against the prisoners held in the central prison ‘jail Ogaden’. Human rights watch called on the prime minister to investigate the widespread abuses carried out on the prisoners.
The report also indicated that the Prison officials and security forces have randomly detained and tortured prisoners for years in the central prison.
“Ethiopia’s new prime minister, Dr. Abiy Ahmed, should urgently order investigations into the horrific situation, and the government should ensure regional security forces and officials are held accountable” the statement reads in part.
“The prison’s security forces, including the Somali Region’s notorious paramilitary force, the Liyu police, are implicated. The unit reports to the Somali Region president, Abdi Mohamoud Omar”
Ethiopia’s Attorney General fired heads of prisons in the country, accusing them of failing to respect prisoners’ human rights in the discharge of their duties, a moved welcomed by all rights group
The Attorney General Berhanu Tsegaye called on the replacing officials to respect and protect human rights in accordance with the constitution.
“Those responsible for the abuse of human rights will face justice after the necessary investigations are completed,” he said.
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