Saturday, August 10, 2013 @ 03:08 PM ed
(AV) Hailemariam Desalegn says Ethiopian Muslim protesters are trying to impose Sharia law on all Ethiopians. In an interview with Walta, the titular Prime Minister claimed that those who are protesting are mainly extremists that want to usurp the government.
“They are saying that they should take over the government. The extremists want to make Sharia the supreme governing law in Ethiopia. They believe that all Ethiopians should be ruled under Sharia law,” Hailemariam said.
He blamed external powers for sponsoring the movement of Ethiopian Muslims. Hailemariam also warned opposition political parties bent on destabilizing the government by “marrying” and compromising with extremists.
The Prime Minister went on to claim that their aspirations violate not only the constitution but also the diversity of the country. He also said that the government does not interfere in religious affairs and would also not allow religion to interfere in governmental affairs.
Muslim activist Muktar Ahmed told Addisvoice.com that the Prime Minister’s statement is totally irresponsible which has a sinister motive of creating fear against the movement of Muslims. “I find Hailemariam’s statement very disturbing because it is not only based on fabricated lie but also a sinister ploy aimed at creating religious conflict.”
Muktar pointed out that Ethiopian Mulims do not accept the Ahbash Islamic sect, which has been imported by the TPLF. “Ethiopian Muslims will not kneel down to TPLF’s threats and attacks. We need religious freedom in our country.”
Mukitar said that spreading lies would not help out the government. “The only way to address the issue is accepting the fact that Ethiopian Muslims will never endorse TPLF’s version of Islam and their Majlis that works for its masters,” he noted.
Ethiopian Muslims have been waging a disciplined nonviolent movement for over 18 months. But the Ethiopian government has violently cracked down on peaceful Muslim protesters. In the latest spate of violence over twenty Muslims were killed in Kofele, Arusi and hundreds were arrested by the Federal Police.
During the Eid day peaceful protest, scores of people were injured and thousands detained as police indiscriminately attacked crowds that were calling for religious freedom and the release of Muslim leaders and activists. Three people were reportedly killed in Addis Ababa during the Eid holiday.
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www.addisvoice.com
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www.addisvoice.com
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