CUD's Dr Admassu, spouse seek asylum in Sweden

By Tedla Yeneakal

Capital

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Dr. Admassu Gebeyehu, a high official of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), his wife Dr. Mulualem Tarekegn and an opposition Member of Parliament of the same party are said to have applied for political asylum in Sweden.

Dr. Admassu, who was deputy mayor-elect of Addis Ababa is one of the few CUD leaders who have not been arrested along with other party associates, who have been accused of charges ranging from attempted genocide treason.

He was one of the prominent figures in the May 2005 elections, and was trying to have the party registered by the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), in accordance with the decision made in September 2005 to unify the constituent parties of the coalition. However, he failed to complete the merger and obtain legal recognition from the board.

He did not join parliament and has been urging the government to release more than twenty members elected to the new council, including the elected mayor, Berhanu Nega, the speaker of the house and the party secretary general, all of whom are in jail and charged with treason, attempted genocide and intent to take over power by street violence.

His wife, Dr. Mulualem on her part, had joined parliament representing Woreda 12/13 of Addis Ababa but reportedly said she had been wrong in deciding to join alleging the government prevented them from exercising their democratic rights.

Sources disclosed to Capital that the couple first traveled to Germany on a private visit and then made their way to Sweden to seek political asylum.

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