PRESS RELEASE
Ethiopians in Washington, DC metro area honored popular Ethiopian singer Tewodros Kassahun (Teddy Afro) at the Washington Marriot on Sunday December 21, 2008. Nearly 500 Ethiopians attended the event
Teddy Afro is currently languishing in prison after the authoritarian regime in Ethiopia convicted him on trumped up charges.
The entertaining and educational tribute was presided by artists Tamagne Beyene and Alemtshay Wedajo who delivered the welcoming speech and Teddy Afro’s biography.
Artist Tamagne Beyene
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Ato Alemayhu Zemedikun, former Deputy Attorney General and Prosecutor at the Ethiopian supreme court, provided an overview of the current regime’s abuse of the justice system to harass and try try to silence voices of dissent such as artist Teddy Afro, opposition party politicians, human rights activits, journalists and members of civic society.
Artist AlemTsehay Wodajo
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Dr. Alemayhu Abebe discussed he history and sufferings of Ethiopian artists and heroes under dictatorial regimes for exercising their right to free speech, with special emphasis on the work of Teddy Afro.
All presenters expressed that the revenge-motivated charges against Teddy Afro are solely related to his songs for freedom and his criticism of the current authoritarian regime for failing to live up to its responsibilities, killing hundreds of citizens and promoting division among the various Ethiopian ethnic groups.
Attorney Alemayehu Zemedkun
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Ethiopian poets and writers Tewodros Abebe and Behailu Mengesha read enlightening and inspiring poems dedicated to Teddy Afro.
Musical performances by various artist including the famous Shambel Belayneh and a new documentary film featuring Teddy Afro narrated by Tamagne Beyene made the event educational and extraordinarily entertaining.
Artist Behailu Mengesha
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Throughout the event, participants were urged to understand the significance of unity in order to overcome the forces of injustice, human rights violation and oppression by reinforcing Teddy Afro’s vision towards peace, personal integrity, forgiveness, tolerance, national healing and the struggle against injustice.
The event was concluded by honoring Artist Tewodros Kassahun and calling for his immediate and unconditional release.
The cost of organizing the event was entirely covered by donations obtained from attendees.
For further information:
Organizers of the Tribute for Teddy Afro
[email protected]