Amnesty International Criticizes Dead Ethiopian PM Zenawi's Rule

Late Ethiopian dictator, Meles Zenawi

Amnesty International has strongly criticized the human rights record of Ethiopia’s Meles Zenawi, who died today.

In a reaction signed by Claire Beston, Amnesty International's Ethiopia researcher, the group said that Zenawi’s 21-year rule was characterized by ever-increasing repression and widespread human rights violations.

“His government stamped out dissenting voices, dismantled the independent media, obstructed human rights organisations and strangled the political opposition," the group said.

"Ethiopia’s jails are packed to the seams with suspected political opponents - from urban intellectuals to rural farmers. Torture and ill treatment are commonplace. State resources, assistance and opportunities have been broadly used to control the population. Tens of thousands of Ethiopians were forced to flee the country during his rule."

The group described the succession of Meles Zenawi as a significant opportunity, which the government and the next Prime Minister must use to change the course of the country, towards ushering in an era of greater respect for the rights of all Ethiopians.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi Dead At 57

Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi Dead at 57

Ethiopian State TV announced early Tuesday that Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has died at the age of 57. The state media disclosed that Zenawi who had been ill for months, passed away as a result of an infection while being treated at a hospital abroad. The Ethiopian government declined to reveal his true condition.

Speculation about Zenawi's health and whereabouts had been raging ever since his notable absence from the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa several months ago. Ethiopian government officials repeatedly denied Zenawi was facing a critical illness, citing on several occasions that the longtime strongman was just dealing with "exhaustion from the pressures of office" and most recently that he was "in good health and recuperating."

Meles Zenawi has been in power in Ethiopia since 1991. His regime known as one of the most repressive regimes in Africa. The Zenawi government has been condemned widely by international human rights groups for its harsh treatment of opposition members and media censorship.

In accordance with the Ethiopian constitution, Zenawi will be succeeded by his deputy, Hailmariam Desalegne,  who will be sworn in later today after an emergency parliament meeting in Addis Ababa.