Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Addis Standard2
Published on 2024-04-15 09:29:38
The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) has raised concerns about the credibility of the investigation into the murder of Batte Urgessa, a prominent Oromo politician who was fatally shot in Meki town, East Shewa zone of the Oromia region. In a statement released on April 14, the OLF stated that the government’s investigation lacked credibility due to partiality, evidence tampering, and misinformation.
The OLF claims to have received information suggesting that Batte was forcibly taken from his hotel room by government security forces who subjected him to severe beatings. The party also mentioned that witnesses to the incident, including the hotel watchman and locals who guarded Batte’s body, have either disappeared or been killed to suppress any evidence.
The Oromia regional government initially condemned Batte’s killing and refuted claims that they were responsible. They labeled the perpetrators as unidentified assailants and emphasized that such acts were unacceptable regardless of the motive. The East Shewa Police Directorate announced the arrest of 13 suspects, including Batte’s brother Millo and his sister Simbo, although Simbo has since been released.
The OLF dismissed attempts by certain groups to frame the murder as a family feud, stating that it was implausible for a family member to collaborate with security forces in such a brutal act. The party highlighted a trend of unresolved killings targeting political, cultural, and human rights activists over the past five years, suggesting a deliberate effort to distract from the truth.
The OLF called on human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the United Nations, for an impartial investigation. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) also demanded a thorough investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable, urging both regional and federal authorities to work together in this regard.
International stakeholders, such as the U.S. State Department, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and the United Kingdom government, echoed the call for an independent probe into Batte’s murder. The European Union expressed its support for the EHRC’s plea for a full investigation, offering assistance in achieving justice and reconciliation.
In conclusion, the OLF urged the Oromo people to remain vigilant and peaceful in their pursuit of justice, emphasizing the need to stand against injustices through legal means. The investigation into Batte’s murder has garnered attention from both local and international actors, signaling a collective effort to seek truth and accountability in this tragic event.
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