Stockholms popular protest rally report
By organizers

On the 4th February 2007, a historical protest action against the meeting of Ali
Abdu-PFDJ’s Information Minister in Stockholm was conducted by all an inclusive opposition forces- civil, political organizations and other individuals who are concerned with the grievances and injustices committed by the totalitarian regime of Asmara against the Eritrean people.

It was historical because it included all the opposing forces at organizational and individual level and it was a symbolic repudiation and defiance undermining the moral and authority of the predatory regime of Essayas Afewerki.

This is the sign of the revival of the resistance enhancing participation of the people defying the oppressive regime and in pursuit of human rights respect, peace, democracy, rule of law and democratic governance.

The rally was well organized with quick and comprehensive plan of action.
The demonstrators began to come at 13.00 local time, surrounded the meeting hall where Ali Abdu has held his public speech.

Several demonstrators came with their banners and posters with slogans condemning the oppressive acts of the dictator.

The rally was well visited. Journalists from the Swedish TV 4 have participated.
Reporters from various media in Sweden were very engaged. The rally was successful and gained media coverage in Sweden for the first time. The report was broadcasted by TV4 at 19.00 in the evening. It was commented by head of Pen clubs association in Sweden


The rally was led by veteran Ghebrehiwt Woldemicael and Alazar Hagos. Mr. Ghebrehiwet welcomed the demonstrators. In his introductory speech, he stressed the human abuses in Eritrea and how the Eritrean people are suffering under a totalitarian regime of Essayas.

Slogans and short speeches by participants were presented and repeated by all that the echo of democracy was heard all over the compound of the meeting.

A three- man committee joined by police has taken the Protest Letter to hand it over to Mr. Ali Abdu. The guards refused to let them in. The police and the journalists were surprised by the obstinate behaviour of the regime and its supporters. Mr. Ali Abdu refused to meet the media and be interviewed and after the meeting went by the back door of the Hall.

The Letter of Protest was read in three languages- Arabic, Tigrinya and Swedish in front of the demonstrators.

Our sources inside the meeting reported that the meeting of Ali Abdu had no constructive topic about Eritrea but about Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, USA and the International community.

He was confronted by critical question by his government supporters which he couldn’t answer.

Some of the questions were:
- Why do many young flee the land?
- Why does the Asmara Expo become a place of drugs and prostitution instead of being a place for learning?
- Why is your economic policy against the private sector?
- Why are the parents punished for?
- Why is your speech about Somalia, Ethiopia and USA, why don’t we discuss about our country?
- Why are you confronting the USA? Can that help Eritrea?

Mr. Ali Abdu couldn’t respond to the question but as usual he got round without touching the facts.

The supporters were disappointed by Ali Abdu’s incapacity and there were rumours that the supporters of the regime were saying, “ It was better to stand with the demonstrators than listening to Ali Abdus speech.

Organizers

DEMONSTRATION IN PICTURES: CLICK IMAGES BELOW TO ENLARGE