The forced disappearance of Mr. Gummi Sericho Laye
Gayo Koti Adi was born in Arero sub-location of Borana zone. He is popularly known by the name of Gummi Sericho Laye on facebook. Gummi is a human rights defender and known for his fearless criticism of Dr. Abiy’s Government of Ethiopia. He has been the voice for voiceless people in Borana and Guji zone of Oromia. He is loved by friends and the general public because of his stand for truth and rights of his fellow citizens of Oromia. He was released a few months ago in Nagelle Borana general prison
The harassment and intimidation continued post jail period. Mr Gummi feared for his life hence ran away to Addis Ababa.( Finfinne) Recently, Gummi Sericho Laye was abducted on 12/07/2021 from Finfinne by a government security agent and his whereabouts is unknown. The abduction of individuals is illegal and goes against the spirit of the Constitution.
Ethiopia constitution under Article 17 grants individuals the rights to liberty. The constitution goes further and states that no one shall be deprived of his or her liberty without following due process of the law. Abducting individuals is illegal and such acts are null and void. The arrest and disappearance of Mr. Gumi violates basic principles of human rights. No person should be subjected to arbitrary arrest, or detained without charges or conviction.