The United States has officially commented on political happenings in Ethiopia where the government has announced the release of politician prisoners and to also close a prison facility notorius for torture. Statement of January 16, 2016 comes close to two weeks after the leadership of the ruling Ethiopia People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) agreed to undertake measures to open up Ethiopia’s political space. “We are encouraged by the Ethiopian Government’s decision to drop charges and pardon detainees, including political prisoners, as a tangible step towards its stated goal of widening political space for all Ethiopians. “We are aware that reviews of additional cases are underway, and hope they will be conducted in the same spirit. The Maekelawi prison facility in Addis Ababa was to be shut down and replaced with one that met international standards.

Source: Ethiopian News January 16, 2018 23:26 UTC