MINNEAPOLIS — U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) released the following statements on the detention of two members of the Oromo community from Minnesota, Misha Chiri and Jawar Mohammed, who are still in police custody as part of the government’s response to protests in Ethiopia:
“Misha Chiri’s ongoing detention and treatment, along with that of Jawar Mohammed’s, are unacceptable and I will continue to fight for justice on their behalf,” said Smith. “Minnesota is home to one of the largest Ethiopian Diaspora groups in the world and the reports of violence, suspension of the rule of law, and restrictions on free expression in Ethiopia affect them and their families on a daily basis. I will be standing with the Oromo community by calling on the U.S. State Department to support a peaceful resolution to the violence in Ethiopia and continuing to advocate on behalf of Misha Chiri and Jawar Mohammed.”
“The release of Misha Chiri is long overdue and I will continue to advocate for his freedom— and the freedom of Jawar Mohammed as well. I remain deeply concerned by the continued reports of arrests of protesters, political opponents, and journalists by Ethiopian authorities, including in the Oromia region,” said Klobuchar. “Minnesota is proud to be home to the largest Oromo community in the United States and my thoughts are with the families of those who have been victims of violence in Ethiopia. I will continue to stand with the Oromo community and call on the U.S. State Department to help find a resolution that will end the violence and restore respect for human rights.”
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