ERITREAN DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE

25 January 2006

We, at the Eritrean Democratic Alliance – UK Branch are deeply saddened by the tragic death of our Eritrean fellow Bereket Yoannes. According to the information we received, he died in Harmsworth Detention Centre near Heatrow airport on Friday 20 January 2006 at the age of 26. What is worse, subject to verification, is that he has committed suicide while in detention.

Many of our fellow Eritreans are fleeing our beloved country to spare their lives from the inhumane treatment levied on almost entire nation by the dictatorial ruling party PFDJ. On their way, with their destination unknown, for any Eritrean young men and women, any part of the world and any other government on earth is much better than that of Eritrea. That is why hundreds and thousands of Eritreans defy the shoot to kill policy of the Eritrean regime to any Eritrean who was found leaving the country. Contrary to what everyone would expect after independence, exodus became the norm of Eritrean people. Now they are running as fast and as far as they can to any direction and at any time. After all these breath taking so much of so many untold stories, it is deeply shocking to learn someone who has been through all or part of these havoc died in detention in peaceful and democratic country.

We strongly believe that this tragedy should not have happened – but it did. Hence, it is only legitimate to ask the UK government to investigate the situation of his death and make it known to the Eritrean community as to what had happened.

At this distressing moment, our condolences to his parents and our hearts go out to his close friends who have witnessed this particularly gruesome episode.

Peace and Democracy shall prevail!!

Eritrean Democratic Alliance

UK Branch