Amnesty International has written to the Minister of Peace, Muferiyat Kamil calling for the release of Dawud Ibsaa, the chairman of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF).
Amnesty recalled the incident on May 3, 2021 where the home of Dawud was ‘unlawfully’ invaded by armed security forces who seized electronic equipment in his house, including laptop computers and mobile phones.
According to the letter, the police have barred everyone from leaving or going into the residence of Dawud Ibsaa’s since that day. “There is therefore serious concern over Dawud Ibsaa’s wellbeing as the food and other essential items in the house have either run out or are close to doing so.” Amnesty said, while demanding that he be immediately released.
The letter says it is necessary to present Dawud Ibsaa with an arrest warrant or court order. “His prolonged house arrest amounts to arbitrary detention, and it imposes arbitrary restrictions on his rights to freedom of movement and association.”
The letter concluded by calling for an immediate release of Dawud or a prompt issuance of charges ‘with a recognisable offence’, in accordance with international standards if there is sufficient evidence of wrongdoing. Amnesty also urged for access to food and other essential items while the chairman waits for release or charge.