Ethiopians across the have been called to remember the the late Professor Asrat Woldeyes who selflessly sacrificed his life for equality, justice and democracy in Ethiopia.
May 11, 2006 (Press Release) --
London, May 11 (Addisvoice.com) Admirers and supporters of the late Professor Asrat Woldeyes have called on Ethiopians across the world to remember the great man who selflessly sacrificed his life for equality, justice and democracy in Ethiopia.
The seventh year memorial of Professor Asrat Woldeyes, who died on May 14, 1999, will be celebrated on Sunday May 14 2006. Ato Ewnetu Nega and Birhanu Abera, told Addis Voice that the coincidence of the first anniversary of the defeat of tyranny at the polls and the 7th anniversary of his tragic death is indicative of the fact the he stood for truth, liberty and justice.
“The sacrifice of Professor Asrat was not in vain. He will be remembered as a selfless freedom fighter, who fiercely fought injustice peacefully. Even if he never raised a gun against anyone, the coward oppressors feared the aging professor and jailed him in harsh cells until his last breath just because he told the truth,” Ewnetu said.
The imprisonment of leaders of the CUD and human rights activists signifies another tragedy that the Meles regime is brewing for Ethiopia, they said.
Profesor Asrat, the first trained Ethiopian surgeon saved thousands of lives as an accomplished surgeon. He set up the All Amhara People’s Organization in 1991 after a series of massacres and human rights violations perpetrated against helpless peasant Amharas living in different parts of Ethiopia.
The Meles regime denied the Professor urgently needed medical care and only released him in December 1998 after he was almost dead. Professor Asrat Woldeyes was arrested in 1992 due to a speech he made in Debre Berhan at a rally. That same year Amnesty International declared him a prisoner of conscience, but he was released on bail. The professor was re-arrested in 1993, with four other AAPO leaders on trumped up charges of inciting violence. On December 18, 1995, Professor Asrat was sentenced to a three-year imprisonment.
He died in Philadelphia seven years ago after doctors were unable to extend his life. He was buried on 26th May 1999 at the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
Watch his immortal speech
The Martyr
Shade no tears for a martyr, a martyr is immortal;
Gallant soul without fear, solid rock memorial.
No one can kill a martyr, a martyr is too brave,
Fighting evil forever, martyr lives beyond grave;
A martyr is like a fuel, glowing coal bright;
Catalyst hidden fume, flame soon to give light.
Cowards murder a martyr, fools coax the glow;
Morons pull the trigger, ticking bomb to blow.
No! A martyr is not just a number, but a precious sacrifice;
For you and me to remember, dearly paid price.
A martyr does not perish, hero lives on forever
Deep in memory fresh, millions to remember.
A martyr is a role model, indestructible force;
Who sets a standard to follow, falling for the right cause.
A martyr is an inspiration, starting pistol to run;
Capturing imagination, ignition fuse to burn!
Therefore, don't cry for a martyr, a martyr never dies
Do you know where the martyr lives?
Search your heart without fear, that is where martyr hides.
Wondimu Mekonnen
Peotry.com
www.addisvoice.com
The seventh year memorial of Professor Asrat Woldeyes, who died on May 14, 1999, will be celebrated on Sunday May 14 2006. Ato Ewnetu Nega and Birhanu Abera, told Addis Voice that the coincidence of the first anniversary of the defeat of tyranny at the polls and the 7th anniversary of his tragic death is indicative of the fact the he stood for truth, liberty and justice.
“The sacrifice of Professor Asrat was not in vain. He will be remembered as a selfless freedom fighter, who fiercely fought injustice peacefully. Even if he never raised a gun against anyone, the coward oppressors feared the aging professor and jailed him in harsh cells until his last breath just because he told the truth,” Ewnetu said.
The imprisonment of leaders of the CUD and human rights activists signifies another tragedy that the Meles regime is brewing for Ethiopia, they said.
Profesor Asrat, the first trained Ethiopian surgeon saved thousands of lives as an accomplished surgeon. He set up the All Amhara People’s Organization in 1991 after a series of massacres and human rights violations perpetrated against helpless peasant Amharas living in different parts of Ethiopia.
The Meles regime denied the Professor urgently needed medical care and only released him in December 1998 after he was almost dead. Professor Asrat Woldeyes was arrested in 1992 due to a speech he made in Debre Berhan at a rally. That same year Amnesty International declared him a prisoner of conscience, but he was released on bail. The professor was re-arrested in 1993, with four other AAPO leaders on trumped up charges of inciting violence. On December 18, 1995, Professor Asrat was sentenced to a three-year imprisonment.
He died in Philadelphia seven years ago after doctors were unable to extend his life. He was buried on 26th May 1999 at the Holy Trinity Cathedral.
Watch his immortal speech
The Martyr
Shade no tears for a martyr, a martyr is immortal;
Gallant soul without fear, solid rock memorial.
No one can kill a martyr, a martyr is too brave,
Fighting evil forever, martyr lives beyond grave;
A martyr is like a fuel, glowing coal bright;
Catalyst hidden fume, flame soon to give light.
Cowards murder a martyr, fools coax the glow;
Morons pull the trigger, ticking bomb to blow.
No! A martyr is not just a number, but a precious sacrifice;
For you and me to remember, dearly paid price.
A martyr does not perish, hero lives on forever
Deep in memory fresh, millions to remember.
A martyr is a role model, indestructible force;
Who sets a standard to follow, falling for the right cause.
A martyr is an inspiration, starting pistol to run;
Capturing imagination, ignition fuse to burn!
Therefore, don't cry for a martyr, a martyr never dies
Do you know where the martyr lives?
Search your heart without fear, that is where martyr hides.
Wondimu Mekonnen
Peotry.com
www.addisvoice.com
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