Ethiopian Rights Body Welcomes Release of 121 Unlawfully Detained People in Somali Region

GOOBJOOG NEWS|JIGJIGA: The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) says the Somali Regional State government has released 121 people who had been held unlawfully in various police stations across the region. The authorities have also granted amnesty to two journalists who were among those detained.

EHRC described the move as a positive step, noting that it shows the regional administration is beginning to address longstanding concerns over detentions without trial, obstacles to accessing justice, and the conditions facing people in custody.

Even so, the Commission stressed that serious issues remain unresolved and require urgent action. These include holding accountable those responsible for human rights violations in Dacawaley, a district bordering the Fafan and Jarar zones. The rights body also called for provision of counselling and support to victims affected by related conflicts and reform of detention practices and the systems used to manage people in custody.

EHRC urged the Somali Regional State authorities to continue reviewing their justice and human rights systems to reduce public grievances and strengthen trust between the government and communities.