September 10, 2025
Bold headline: Ethiopian Political Prisoners Begin Hunger Strike at Kilinto Prison
What is happening at Kilinto Prison right now? Why are so many political prisoners refusing food? The answer points to alleged violations of human rights, years-long detention without due process, and harsh conditions that defy international law. Reports say journalists, academics, and elected leaders have joined this escalating hunger strike to demand justice and dignity under the Abiy Ahmed administration.
Their demand is simple: due process, humane treatment, and medical access.
In this introduction, you’ll see who is involved, what triggered the strike, and why it matters to every Ethiopian and to the world. You’ll also learn what urgent steps can save lives and push for accountability. The facts are stark—and action cannot wait on the crisis: Ethiopian Political Prisoners Begin Hunger Strike at Kilinto Prison.
Timeline and Initiation of the Hunger Strike
The hunger strike at Kilinto Prison began in September 2025, with news of the protest gaining international attention around mid-September. According to reports on Zehabesha and Facebook updates from advocacy groups, the hunger strike was started by a large group of political prisoners who decided to refuse food as a last-resort protest against what they describe as dire detention conditions and violations of their legal rights. While the exact date is not consistently reported, the movement accelerated as the days passed, drawing urgent calls for humanitarian intervention to save lives and alert the outside world about the treatment of inmates in Kilinto. This mass action did not start overnight; rather, it grew out of weeks, if not months, of mounting frustrations and ignored grievances.
Profile of Kilinto Prison and Other Major Detention Centers
Kilinto Prison is one of Ethiopia’s largest federal detention centers, located just outside the capital Addis Ababa. It is notorious for holding political prisoners, opposition figures, journalists, and those on trial for security-related charges. According to the Asylum Research Centre and various human rights organizations, Kilinto is known for overcrowding, harsh conditions, and frequent reports of torture and abuse. The prison has also suffered significant incidents in recent years, including a deadly fire in 2016 that brought attention to systemic neglect and human rights abuses.
Other major detention centers in Ethiopia include Kaliti Prison, often referred to as a “gulag” and also situated in Addis Ababa. Kaliti has been documented as the country’s main maximum security lockup. Prisons such as Shewa Robit and Ziway are also commonly used for both political and criminal detainees, especially after crises at Kilinto. Across these facilities, the most common problems are overcrowding, poor sanitation, lack of medical care, and abuses by security forces.
Between federal and regional prisons, Ethiopia is estimated to have at least six major federal prisons and over 120 regional ones, though unofficial, off-the-record detention sites also exist. Political prisoners are most commonly sent to the federal institutions, such as Kilinto and Kaliti, which are under close scrutiny by local and international human rights organizations.
Background on Political Imprisonment in Ethiopia
Political imprisonment in Ethiopia has a long and troubling history, and 2024-2025 has seen a dramatic increase in cases, especially in the wake of ongoing civil conflicts and government crackdowns. Reports from Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the U.S. State Department indicate that tens of thousands have been arbitrarily detained, especially in the Amhara and Oromia regions, following anti-government protests and insurgencies.
Despite promised reforms in recent years, the Ethiopian government continues to use sweeping anti-terrorism laws and broad definitions of “security risks” to arrest opposition figures, journalists, academics, and civilians, often without trial or due process. Detainees are frequently held for months in poor conditions with little access to lawyers or family visits. International rights groups have documented a pattern of torture, forced confessions, and denial of basic health care in both well-known prisons like Kilinto and Kaliti, as well as in makeshift or secret detention camps.
The hunger strike in Kilinto prison in September 2025 is the latest in a series of public protests by political prisoners demanding better treatment, lawful procedures, and an end to ethnic and political persecution—particularly targeting the Amhara community. These protests have further highlighted the ongoing crisis of political imprisonment in Ethiopia and the urgent need for credible, systemic reform.
Protests Against Inhumane Conditions and Legal Violations
The motivations and demands of the Kilinto Prison hunger strikers begin with strong protests against inhumane conditions and legal violations inside prison. Prisoners at Kilinto, many being political figures, report overcrowded cells, poor sanitation, and little access to basic medical care. They claim their ongoing detention violates the rule of law—many have not been formally charged or given fair trials, and their detention often exceeds legal time limits set by Ethiopian law.
Reports from human rights groups and news outlets highlight suppression of civil liberties and physical mistreatment in detention. Many prisoners say they are denied contact with lawyers or families, and requests for better treatment often fall on deaf ears. According to statements given to the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, the hunger strike’s primary goal is to pressure authorities to respect prisoners’ rights, end arbitrary detention, and provide humane conditions. These strikers want the government to be held accountable for failing to meet minimum international and national legal standards.
Political, Academic, and Journalistic Figures Involved
Political, academic, and journalistic figures are at the heart of the Kilinto Prison hunger strike. Among those participating are well-known politicians, distinguished academics, and high-profile journalists, all detained for their real or perceived opposition to the government. Some recently named figures include Dr. Tewodros Hailemariam, Dr. Chanie Kebede, Meskerem Abera (a journalist), and Dr. Kassa Teshager.
These prominent individuals have been vocal both inside and outside prison. Their involvement has drawn national and international attention to both the conditions at Kilinto Prison and the broader issue of political repression in Ethiopia. Journalists and academics in detention often face harsher treatment due to their influence in society and their capacity to mobilize public opinion. Their participation in the hunger strike is also a direct challenge to state policies restricting freedom of expression and political pluralism.
Specific Grievances: Ethnic Profiling and the Amhara Community
Specific grievances of the prison hunger strikers focus sharply on ethnic profiling and persecution of the Amhara community. Many of the detained are from the Amhara ethnic group and say they are targeted solely because of their identity or opposition activity labeled as “Amhara activism.” According to recent rights reports, there has been a significant increase in mass arrests of Amhara civilians, intellectuals, and activists, particularly following the declaration of the state of emergency and during government crackdowns in 2023 and 2024.
These detainees claim that authorities use broad anti-terror laws and vague accusations of destabilizing activity as a pretext to arrest Amhara individuals. Grievances also include arbitrary arrest, abuse, denial of ethnic Amhara rights, and forced confessions. Families and advocates describe the situation as ethnic-based repression, calling for the international community to investigate what they describe as systematic discrimination against Amhara people in Ethiopia’s detention system.
Previous Hunger Strikes by Other Political Prisoners
Previous hunger strikes by other political prisoners in Ethiopia help explain the context and importance of the current protest. In past years, political figures such as Jawar Mohammed and Bekele Gerba led hunger strikes to protest prolonged detention without charge, torture, and lack of access to medical treatment. These earlier strikes had similar demands: due process, improved prison conditions, and the release of political prisoners.
Hunger strikes have often succeeded in drawing attention to abuses, sometimes forcing authorities to negotiate, provide medical care, or review cases. However, they have also led to deteriorating health for prisoners, creating serious humanitarian concerns. The current action at Kilinto follows this pattern—leveraging hunger strikes as a desperate, nonviolent method to demand justice, respect for due process, and humane treatment for all, particularly those from vulnerable groups like the Amhara community.
By tracing this history, it is clear that hunger strikes remain one of the few tools available for Ethiopian political prisoners to protest and communicate with the outside world about injustices they face.
Human Rights Violations and International Law
Reports of Malnutrition, Illness, and Mental Health Crisis
Reports of malnutrition, illness, and mental health crisis at Kilinto Prison and other major detention centers have raised urgent concerns among human rights advocates. Many sources describe how prisoners are denied basic necessities such as sufficient food, clean water, and appropriate medical care. As a result, inmates reportedly suffer from rapid weight loss, weakened immune systems, and untreated medical conditions.
Mental health issues are another growing crisis. The environment at Kilinto Prison, marked by overcrowding, isolation, and uncertainty about the future, has led to increased cases of depression, anxiety, and even self-harm among detainees. Several activists and journalists have reported that some prisoners are so desperate that they attempt suicide or go on hunger strike to protest their deteriorating health and lack of attention from authorities.
Detention Without Prosecution and Due Process Concerns
Detention without prosecution is a widespread problem that violates international human rights law. In Ethiopia, many prisoners are held for months without formal charges. Some never receive a trial or legal representation. This is especially true for individuals accused of political offenses, including opposition politicians, journalists, and activists.
Due process is rarely respected in these cases. Prisoners often do not have access to their families or lawyers. Court appearances can be delayed repeatedly with no explanation. According to several human rights reports, the Ethiopian legal system frequently ignores constitutional protections meant to guarantee fair treatment. These actions directly contravene the principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which Ethiopia has pledged to uphold.
Response from Ethiopian Authorities
The response from Ethiopian authorities to allegations of human rights abuses in Kilinto Prison has been inconsistent and widely criticized. Government officials often deny or minimize the reports of malnutrition and poor conditions, claiming that all detainees receive adequate care. In some cases, authorities have allowed limited prison visits by selected delegations, but international human rights observers often face restrictions or outright bans.
Ethiopian authorities insist that many detentions are necessary for national security, especially in the context of regional unrest and political violence. However, their official statements rarely address the specific complaints raised by inmates or human rights groups. Instead, authorities typically emphasize the importance of stability and accuse critics of undermining national unity.
Overall, the lack of transparency and the absence of independent oversight mean that serious human rights violations often go unaddressed. The international community continues to urge Ethiopia to reform its prison system, release political prisoners, and ensure that detainees enjoy basic rights and protections under national and international law.
Personal Accounts and Societal Consequences
Personal accounts from families of prisoners at Kilinto Prison reveal how the hunger strike impacts not just those inside, but also entire communities outside the prison walls. Families describe feeling deep anxiety as days pass without news about their loved ones’ health. Many endure sleepless nights, terrified that the hunger strike could turn fatal. Women, children, and elderly parents have often attended protests or vigils outside prison gates, seeking updates or pressuring authorities for humane treatment.
Societal consequences reach beyond individual households. Fear, distrust, and pain become common in neighborhoods where multiple families have a relative imprisoned. Community solidarity may grow as people unite to support affected families, but there is also a chilling effect on civic life. Fear of state surveillance and collective punishment discourages public discussion, advocacy, and the exercise of basic freedoms. Emotional trauma becomes widespread, not only for families, but also for neighbors and friends who feel the weight of arbitrary detention and injustice.
Economic and Social Hardships for Families
Economic and social hardships for the families of Kilinto hunger strikers are severe and far-reaching. When a breadwinner is detained, many families quickly lose their primary source of income. Mothers, wives, and children are often left to fend for themselves. According to human rights and research reports, families may face official barriers when bringing food or medical supplies to prison, which can mean spending more on food from black markets or traveling long distances for visits.
Social isolation is also common. The stigma of having a politically imprisoned relative makes some friends and employers distance themselves, leading to loss of jobs and support networks. Some children are forced to leave school due to lack of funds, while others suffer from malnutrition without the detained parent’s income.
Moreover, families bear extra costs attending court appearances, arranging legal representation, and seeking news about their loved ones. All these strains can push already vulnerable families into deeper poverty. Studies repeatedly show that the incarceration of political or community leaders in Ethiopia destabilizes local economies, deepens hunger, and breaks down traditional family and community support structures.
Suicides and Mental Health Impacts Among Relatives
Suicides and mental health challenges among relatives of Kilinto Prison hunger strikers are devastating but often hidden. For every prominent story in the media, there are many more silent struggles. The ongoing uncertainty, fear, and pain erode hope. Reports and field studies from Ethiopia and the wider region show that families of political prisoners are at much higher risk of depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders.
Some relatives of prisoners have attempted suicide in desperation. Women, especially mothers and spouses, report the worst emotional suffering as they feel unable to protect their loved ones. Children sometimes experience behavioral changes, nightmares, or drop out of school due to stress. Community mental health resources are very limited in Ethiopia, so most families must face these challenges alone.
Public health experts warn that the psychological toll of the hunger strike and prolonged detention is likely to lead to a lasting mental health crisis. This affects not only the immediate relatives of prisoners, but also the wider community, deepening cycles of suffering and mistrust. Swift action by authorities and NGOs is urgently needed to address these hidden wounds.
Government Justification for Arrests and Detentions
The Ethiopian government has long justified the arrests and detentions at Kilinto Prison by pointing to national security and public order. In official statements, authorities often claim that many of those held—including political opponents, journalists, and activists—are being detained due to suspicion of involvement in organizing or inciting violence or terrorism. The government alleges that such measures are necessary to preserve stability in times of unrest.
According to multiple human rights and state reports, government officials say the process follows legal procedures, and monitoring mechanisms like the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) have visited high-level detainees. Even so, critics argue that these justifications mask arbitrary detentions and widespread human rights violations. International organizations note that the government refuses to investigate credible reports of abuse and does not consistently allow independent monitors into the prisons, which raises concerns about transparency.
Statements From the Prosperity Party and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the governing Prosperity Party publicly emphasize the country’s need for unity and security. The Prosperity Party rarely issues detailed statements on individual prison hunger strikes. Rather, its public narrative frames the government’s actions as steps to safeguard Ethiopia’s democracy and prevent ethnic or political violence.
Press statements and official communications usually highlight the government’s efforts towards legal reform and economic growth, while defending the judicial process as impartial. Prime Minister Abiy sometimes references national reconciliation but tends to avoid directly addressing specific human rights concerns at Kilinto Prison. Instead, there is a recurring theme that those in detention are subject to “due process” and that Ethiopia faces complex security threats which require difficult decisions for the common good.
Human Rights Advocates’ and Opposition Parties’ Responses
Human rights advocates and opposition parties have strongly condemned the government’s response to the Kilinto Prison hunger strike. Organizations like Human Rights Watch (HRW) and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission have documented poor prison conditions, malnutrition, and abuse. They repeatedly question the government’s refusal to permit independent oversight during hunger strikes and highlight a pattern of using prolonged detention as a tool against dissent.
Opposition leaders, including those with direct experience in Kilinto Prison, accuse the government of systematically targeting voices critical of the current administration—often from specific ethnic or political backgrounds. Their statements often call for international pressure and urgent humanitarian intervention to save prisoners’ lives and demand an end to arbitrary arrests.
The opposition argues that the Prosperity Party’s narrative of “national security” is used to silence critics and suppress legitimate political activity. Both Ethiopian and international advocates stress that Ethiopia’s stability cannot come at the expense of basic rights, and that true reconciliation requires transparency, respect for the rule of law, and immediate action to address the grievances voiced by prisoners and their supporters.
Appeals to National and International Human Rights Groups
Appeals to national and international human rights groups about the situation in Kilinto Prison have become loud and urgent in 2024. Organizations like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the UN Human Rights Office have received desperate calls for intervention to save lives and uphold justice. Recent reports from sites such as Zehabesha and the US State Department highlight an immediate need for humanitarian action due to deteriorating health conditions among hunger strikers. Advocates demand these groups pressure the Ethiopian government to allow independent investigations, ensure prisoners’ rights, provide adequate medical care, and protect detainees from ethnic persecution, particularly among the Amhara community. These appeals also urge international media to maintain coverage so global attention does not fade. Regular statements from groups such as the World Organisation Against Torture and regional rights commissions reinforce the demands for urgent monitoring and accountability.
Role of Civic Organizations, Religious, and Professional Associations
Civic organizations, religious groups, and professional associations have played a vital role in pushing for change at Kilinto Prison. Reports and advocacy from bodies like the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, health professionals’ networks, and independent legal societies have brought consistent attention to the prisoners’ plight. Religious leaders, referenced in recent Peacemakers Network and Open Doors briefings, have called for solidarity, humanitarian compassion, and dialogue among Ethiopians, emphasizing the moral duty to defend prisoners’ rights regardless of ethnicity or political affiliation. Professional groups—including academic associations and medical professionals—have also spoken out about violations of due process and the urgent need for medical care, as seen in several 2024 civic space reports. Despite challenges such as government crackdowns and the suspension of some civil society organizations, these bodies are rallying for transparency, humanitarian access, and the release or due process for prisoners. Their sustained advocacy is key to keeping Kilinto’s crisis a national and ethical concern.
Campaigns for Prison Visits and Public Engagement
Campaigns for prison visits and wider public engagement have gathered strength in response to the Kilinto hunger strike. Community-led petitions and social media drives, as seen on platforms like Zehabesha and Ethiopia Observer, ask authorities to allow independent observers and families access to prisoners. Local activists and advocacy groups are organizing public awareness events, calling for peaceful demonstrations, and leveraging networks of relatives to keep pressure on the government. There is a strong feeling that without broader public engagement—through campaigns for transparency and humane prison conditions—the fate of hunger strikers will worsen in silence. Calls for regular media coverage and involvement by local religious and civic leaders in prison monitoring aim to protect detainees from abuse and to mobilize Ethiopian society in defense of human rights. These campaigns stress the idea that safeguarding the dignity and lives of prisoners is a collective moral responsibility, rallying both national and global citizens to act before it’s too late.
Statements by Human Rights Organizations
Statements by human rights organizations about the Kilinto Prison hunger strike have been urgent and direct. Groups like the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) have officially visited Kilinto Prison to observe the situation, calling for improvements in prisoners’ health and conditions (EHRC Statement). Global advocacy groups such as Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Amnesty International have raised red flags over reports of inhumane treatment, lack of due process, inadequate medical care, and the targeting of political and ethnic detainees. They demand immediate action from the Ethiopian government and have urged for independent investigations and humanitarian access. These statements often focus on the urgent need to address malnutrition, lack of healthcare, overcrowding, and physical safety concerns inside Kilinto and similar facilities.
Diplomatic Reactions and Global Advocacy Networks
Diplomatic reactions to the Kilinto hunger strike have begun to surface as the situation garners more global attention. Some embassies and consulates in Addis Ababa have quietly raised concerns about the prisoners through back-channel communications, while others have issued more public calls for adherence to international human rights standards. There is growing pressure from regional bodies as well, with African and international advocacy networks like DefendDefenders and various diaspora organizations urging for coordinated action.
Global advocacy networks, including Ethiopian diaspora groups and international NGOs, have launched online campaigns, petitions, and open letters to put pressure on the Ethiopian government. These efforts seek to highlight specific cases of political, academic, and journalistic detainees affected by the hunger strike, and to build a coalition for diplomatic intervention. Many global advocacy groups are also pushing for United Nations involvement and requesting oversight from bodies like the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
Media Coverage and International Attention
Media coverage and international attention on the Kilinto Prison hunger strike has been growing, particularly among independent African news outlets, diaspora media, and respected international channels like Al Jazeera and The Guardian. These media sources spotlight both the protesters’ plight and the government’s response, providing a platform for the families and lawyers of hunger strikers to share their stories and concerns (Al Jazeera: Ethiopia prisoners’ health concerns). Coverage extends to social media, where hashtags and viral posts aim to attract even more attention from human rights defenders and the broader public.
While some global news giants have run stories highlighting the deteriorating health of detainees and the broader context of ethnic and political tensions in Ethiopia, the issue is not yet at the very center of world headlines. However, increased advocacy and the high-profile nature of some detainees have brought Kilinto onto the radar of organizations that track political suppression and humanitarian violations worldwide. As international pressure builds and more voices join in solidarity, the media’s spotlight can help increase accountability and push for tangible change.
Ethnic and Political Dynamics in Ethiopian Prisons
Ethnic and political dynamics in Ethiopian prisons are central to understanding the country’s broader conflicts. Ethiopian prisons are not just places of detention; they reflect the country’s political struggles and ethnic tensions. Reports from Human Rights Watch and other organizations highlight that ethnicity often shapes who gets accused and detained. The Amhara, Oromo, Tigrayans, and other communities have all been heavily impacted by government crackdowns at different times.
Many political prisoners are arrested not just for their political activities, but also because of their ethnic identity, especially as ethnic federalism in Ethiopia has increased competition and mistrust. Discriminatory policies and practices often follow ethnic lines, with some groups feeling targeted or excluded. The authorities sometimes accuse political activists or opposition figures of crimes linked to their ethnic identity or alleged links to armed groups, blending security concerns with ethnic profiling. This system has deepened suspicion between communities, fostered grievance, and turned prisons into battlegrounds for political and ethnic representation.
The Role of the Amhara and Oromo Communities
The Amhara and Oromo communities have a significant and sometimes adversarial role in Ethiopian politics and conflicts. Historically, the Amhara were considered the political and cultural heart of Ethiopia, but since the 1990s, the rise of ethnic federalism gave the Oromo more formal political recognition. Despite this, both groups have experienced marginalization and conflict under successive governments.
In recent years, tensions between the Amhara and the Oromo have fueled violence and unrest. Insurgencies like the Fano militia in Amhara and the Oromo Liberation Army in Oromia have challenged the government and deepened mistrust. Both communities demand greater autonomy and fair political representation, but they are also wary of each other’s political ambitions.
Many Amhara feel targeted by recent government crackdowns, while Oromos recall years of marginalization by previous regimes. Clashes between these groups have sometimes spilled into prisons, where allegations of ethnic bias in arrests, detention, and treatment are common. Both communities’ struggles shape national narratives around identity, power, and justice.
Connection to Previous Protests, Unrest, and Elections
The connection between Ethiopian protests, unrest, and elections is direct and powerful. Political unrest in Ethiopia has often erupted around election cycles, when demands for democracy, fair representation, and the release of political prisoners come to the forefront. Since 2015, Ethiopia has experienced waves of protests, especially after contested elections or government decisions that curb freedoms.
Mass protests in regions like Oromia and Amhara have led to crackdowns, mass detentions, and states of emergency. Elections are perceived as moments of hope, but also risk—authorities often tighten control, fearing unrest. Human rights groups and observers note a pattern: disputed election results or perceived exclusion of ethnic groups frequently lead to street protests, followed by arrests and new waves of political imprisonment.
Major cases, like the protests following the 2005 and 2020 elections, are clear examples. The cycle of protests, detentions, and unrest weakens trust in the political system and makes meaningful reconciliation harder.
Impact on National Reconciliation and Political Reforms
The impact of the prison crisis on national reconciliation and political reforms in Ethiopia is profound. Widespread arrests, reports of torture, and politically motivated detentions make true reconciliation difficult. Many reform attempts, such as the release of some political prisoners and promises to close infamous prisons, are steps in the right direction, but they do not end the crisis.
For many citizens, ongoing detentions are a symbol of broken promises and a lack of real change. Communities affected by these policies may doubt the government’s sincerity about dialogue and national healing. Political reforms are slowed when large numbers of opposition figures, journalists, and activists remain behind bars or under threat.
The prospects for successful national dialogue, peacebuilding, and lasting political reforms depend on addressing these injustices. Releasing political prisoners, ending ethnic profiling, and reforming the justice system are essential for building trust and moving towards a more peaceful and inclusive Ethiopia. If these are not addressed, cycles of unrest and repression are likely to continue, harming the hope for lasting stability.
Humanitarian and Legal Interventions Needed
Humanitarian and legal interventions are urgently needed at Kilinto Prison and similar Ethiopian detention centers. Many international human rights organizations have called for immediate access to proper medical care and improved prison conditions. Experts recommend that independent medical teams be allowed to visit the hunger strikers, assess their health, and oversee the quality of food and water provided. Quick interventions can help prevent further deaths, irreversible health damage, and emotional trauma.
Legal experts and advocates repeatedly stress the need for adherence to Ethiopian and international law. This means ending detention without charge, providing all prisoners with access to fair legal representation, and ensuring speedy, transparent trials. Humanitarian organizations also request the release of individuals who have not been formally charged or whose detention violates rights guaranteed by the Ethiopian constitution and international conventions. These steps could build trust and pave the way for respect of prisoners’ human rights.
Potential Outcomes if Demands Remain Unmet
If the demands of the hunger-striking prisoners remain unmet, the situation at Kilinto Prison could escalate dramatically. Reports of worsening malnutrition, physical deterioration, and severe psychological distress would likely increase. Some detainees might suffer long-term health consequences or face life-threatening conditions as their hunger strike continues. Desperation among prisoners may even lead to more tragic incidents, including possible loss of life.
Social unrest outside prison walls is another probable outcome. As families and communities watch their loved ones suffer, protests and public demonstrations could intensify. This risks increasing tensions between the public and authorities and could weaken social cohesion in already fragile regions. Internationally, Ethiopia may face more pressure and possible sanctions from foreign governments, donors, and advocacy groups unhappy with ongoing rights violations. If the government fails to act, the country’s reputation and vital partnerships may suffer.
The Role of International Solidarity and Continued Advocacy
International solidarity and continued advocacy are crucial for a peaceful and just resolution. Global human rights groups, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have already brought international attention to the plight of prisoners at Kilinto. Further public campaigns, diplomatic engagement, and pressure from global organizations can help amplify the voices of the incarcerated and their families.
Social media, petitions, and worldwide protests have proven powerful in similar past cases. When the public joins together, they boost the visibility of the issue and encourage swift responses from governments. It is vital for advocates to maintain pressure, raise awareness in the media, and continue lobbying for visits, independent investigations, and humanitarian support. With ongoing international solidarity, there is hope to improve conditions, protect rights, and work toward lasting solutions for all prisoners in Ethiopia.