Ethiopian-Americans, Ethiopians, and friends of Ethiopia living in the Washington area and as far as Atlanta and North Carolina gathered and lit candles at 6 PM on Sunday, November 06, 2011, in front of the White House denouncing politically-targeted arrest of many Ethiopians by tyrant Meles Zenawi under the guise of fighting terrorism. The vigil was also intended to display solidarity to the recently incarcerated Ethiopian political leaders and journalists.

The Ethiopian Americans, holding lit candles and signs, urged President Obama to condemn atrocities such as gross human rights violations in Ethiopia, and to put pressure on Ethiopia’s regime to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners.

The vigil participants chanted slogans to remind the US administration that it needs to stand with the people of Ethiopia in their struggle for social justice and democracy and that it stops supporting the dictatorial regime.

Former Judge Birtukan Mideksa, once opposition party leader serving a life sentence in Zenawi’s prison, was among the activists who made inspirational speech to the participants.

To listen to Birtukan’s speech click here!

March4Freedom would like to thank all the people who participated in the vigil and encourage everyone to continue the struggle for freedom, justice, and democracy in Ethiopia.

The next vigil light in the monthly serious is planned in December. Public announcement will be released in the next few days.

For pictures of the event

March 4 Freedom (www.march4freedom.org)