Ethiopia: Kidnapping and Disappearances

Fear of Torture
HRLHA Appeal and Urgent Action
Public: August 11, 2012.

The Human Rights League of the Horn of Africa is highly concerned about the safety and whereabouts of two Oromo nationals who were kidnapped and taken away by government security agents.
According to reports obtained by the HRLHA through its local correspondents, Mr. Biranu Nagari Calchisa, a father of six, was kidnapped from his home in the Ayyana Town of Gidda Ayyana District in Eastern Wollega Province in the middle of the night on the 20th of July, 2012. Mr. Calchisa’s family and friends have never heard from him ever since he was taken away by armed security forces; and his whereabouts is not known. Sources added that this is the second time for Mr. Calschisa to be a victim of extrajudicial actions under the same TPLF/EPRDF Regime.
In 2000, he was arrested in his hometown and taken to the Capital Addis Ababa/Finfinne where he was detained at the Kalitti and Ma’ikelawi prisons.
Similarly, Mr. Tesfa Getahun Barkessa, also a father of six, a businessman of age 42 and resident of Najjo Town in Western Wollaga Province was abducted from his workplace by security forces on August 2nd, 2012, at 5:00pm local time.
Mr. Tesfa G. Barkessa was seen at Naqamte Hospital, a few days later after his disappearance, escorted by strange people. HRLHA_PR-_Aug_11,_2012