Yes! Something is wrong
Dear Mrs.(Ms.) Chester,
I have read your article of April 20, 2006 posted in Ben's website. I am not a journalist nor do I claim to be an expert on Ethiopian politics. But as a citizen of that country and living here in the U.S for over 16 years, I found your article as biased lacking knowledge of the objective realities on the ground and judgmental. Regrettably, it is shallow, emotionally charged and uncharacteristic of good journalism.
This individual that you are defending belongs to a political party that advocated, at the time, against the democratic ways that you and me know and experience here in the U.S. It is baffling how one can live in the greatest democracy in the world (U.S) and yet prescribe dictatorship, hate and chauvinism to it's own people.
I don't believe this gentleman is in prison as you put it, for "standing up for what is right." He is in prison because the government, through the law of the land, accuses him for inciting violence, the death of 7 police officers and many civilians, as well as for attempting to overthrow the government through unconstitutional means.
Is the alleged crime true or not true? I wish I could give the benefit of the doubt to the accused. But my opinion whether it is true or not is the issue. The crux of the matter is that like here in the U.S and any other stable governments, we have a law, and, Dr Yacob will have his day in court. We have to respect in the rule of law irrespective of whether or not the crime was in the U.S or committed in one of the poorest nation on earth. I don't have to remind you the fate of cop killers here in the U.S.Our cops and civilians also have the right for life.
Should he get a fair and open trial? you bet! Will he? that's where you and all others that espouse democratic rights and freedom for all mankind need to stand up for what is right and refrain from being the judge and jury. For now what is right is to advocate that Dr. Yacob and the other accused prisoners get a fair, speedy and open trial and have the courage to accept the results and learn from it. No one is above the law!
I suggest to you to please listen to a VOA interview with U.S Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Ambassador Donald Yamamoto.
E. Abraham
Texas.