Orthodox Youths and the Local Administrator Released on Bail in Addis Ababa
Orthodox youths and a local administrator who were released on bail
The banners read; “Release the Orthodox that were imprisoned for the Church.” “We object systematic discrimination of the Orthodox in an organized manner by the government.”
The released youths praising God and receiving blessings at their parish, Menagesha Debre Tsege Saint George Church
E.S.G- OCP News Service – 18/2/22
Addis Ababa-Ethiopia: Orthodox youths and a local administrator who were arrested after the celebration of Epiphany in Addis Ababa were released on bail (3,000 Birr per person) on Thursday, February 17, 2022. The Orthodox youths were arrested on the pretense of “provoking the public” after constructing a square decoration for the Feast of Epiphany that was permitted by Addis Ababa City Administration. Henok Alemu, Tarekegn Mengesha, Gideon Leulseged, Yohannes Tiku, Mentesinot Tariku, and the local administrator, Tamene Aklilu, were jailed for more than 26 days without being presented before the court.
The Persecution of Orthodox Youths in Addis Ababa Continues
Their release came after mounting pressure from the faithful and a discussion of Orthodox Youth and Adult Associations of Addis Ababa with Church hierarchs, including the Primate, at the Patriarchate on Wednesday, February 16, 2022. The discussion followed the meeting of the City’s mayor and members of her cabinet with His Holiness Abune Matthias, the Acting Synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, and Bishops of different dioceses (on Tuesday, February 15, 2022). His Grace Abune Meqariwos, Archbishop of Somali and Eastern Hararghe dioceses, commended the released youths and the local administrator for their courage.
Source:
OCP News Service
