Jawar spoke in court today*Thread*
Explained the situation leading up to his arrest.
"We accompanied the body of Haacaaluu to Burayu en route to Ambo. From there we were blocked by security forces so we returned to Finfinne and were in communication with authorities.
Explained the situation leading up to his arrest.
"We accompanied the body of Haacaaluu to Burayu en route to Ambo. From there we were blocked by security forces so we returned to Finfinne and were in communication with authorities.
At the Oromo Cultural Centre Mayor Takele Uma instructed guards to let us in. They mayor arrived shortly after and we met with him (Jawar was with Bekele Gerba and Hamza Borana, along with security). Our meeting was friendly and brotherly. We agreed on the burial....
Mayor said they would provide an ambulance, fridge, and coffin for the burial. He left to gather these items and within 15 minutes of him leaving, we were surrounded by heavily armed soldiers. We instructed our security to comply/disarm and we went with them peacefully.
There was no violence. Officer walked us to PP office where we were held for the day. In the evening we were sent to the Oromia Police Commision. Not a single shot was fired. [The allegation is that Jawar and his security planned armed attack on PP office and killed officer]
We sat with the mayor and discussed the burial with no disagreement. The idea that we can force our way into a headquarter guarded by 1000 police makes no sense. This govt is trying to eliminate me from the political process. They dragged their foot & tried to deny me citizenship
When that failed they're making these allegations to take us out of the politics. These allegations are all fabricated. We are advocates of non-violent resistance and human rights."
Source: Attorney Tuli Bayisa interview on OMN - July 16 2020
Source: Attorney Tuli Bayisa interview on OMN - July 16 2020
