I was sentenced to death and imprisoned in Ethiopia for four years because of my political activism. A big reason why I am free today is because so many people like you campaigned for me, and I want to say thank you.
I was sentenced to death for standing up for the values we all share – human rights, justice and democracy. At first, my family didn’t know where I was, but they feared the worst. I had been kidnapped from an international airport and taken into detention. That was in June 2014.
My family went straight to Reprieve for help. Reprieve immediately took up my case and fought every day for four years to free me.
“In June of this year I was reunited with my family in London. Since then, my partner and I got married. We’re now looking forward to our first Christmas together in a long time.”
I was allowed very little contact with the outside world – just one phone call with my family. Until I was released, I had never spoken to anyone at Reprieve. I learned later that their team was refused access to the prison where I was held. But still they fought for me – and so did thousands of people. I was amazed when I found out.
In June of this year I was reunited with my family in London. Since then, my partner and I got married. We’re now looking forward to our first Christmas together in a long time.
For this I have the team at Reprieve and all those who campaigned for me to thank. I hope you know that your support means freedom for people like me – it means that Reprieve can be there when someone else’s family needs help.
From me and all of my family, thank you.
