Concern about writer’s health following recent prison transfer

(WiPC/IFEX) – International PEN is gravely concerned about writer and journalist Gamachu Malka Fufa (also known as Moti Biyya*, pen name) who was taken ill shortly after being transferred to Asella, 150 km south of the capital Addis Ababa. The transfer took place at the end of March 1999 and PEN is not aware of […]

(WiPC/IFEX) – International PEN is gravely concerned about writer and
journalist Gamachu Malka Fufa (also known as Moti Biyya*, pen name) who was
taken ill shortly after being transferred to Asella, 150 km south of the
capital Addis Ababa. The transfer took place at the end of March 1999 and
PEN is not aware of the motive behind this decision, which appears to
further increase the suffering of the detainee and his family. International
PEN fears that Gamachu Malka Fufa’s conditions of detention may have been
made harsher due to greater isolation and less frequent family visits.

**Updates IFEX alert of 19 November 1998**

Under these circumstances, the news of his ill health – Gamachu Malka Fufa
was reportedly transferred to Asella hospital during the first two weeks of
July – is giving grounds to heightened concern on his behalf.

* It is believed that Moti Biyya may not be using his pen name for
administrative and legal matters, it is therefore advised to refer to him as
Gamachu Malka Fufa in all official correspondence.

Recommended Action

His Excellency Meles Zenawi

Prime Minister

Office of the Prime Minister

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Fax: +251 1 514 300

With copies to:

– the Ethiopian representative in your country

– your own foreign office, Ethiopia desk
In Canada, send appeals to:
His Excellency Dr. Fecadu Gadamu

Ambassador

Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia

151 Slater Street, Suite 210

Ottawa, Ontario

K1P 5H3

Fax: +1 613 235 4638

E-mail: infoethi@magi.com