#Ethiopia: Police allege Dr. Daniel leading health professionals’ movement ‘from prison using electronics’
Despite no recent activities from Ethiopian health workers, during Thursday’s hearing at the Bahir Dar City High Court, police alleged that Dr. Daniel Fantahun, a prominent gynecology resident and leading figure in the Health Professionals Movement, is “continuing and leading the struggle from prison using electronics.”
According to attendees who spoke with Addis Standard, the police from the Amhara Regional State Police Commission claimed he was supplied with electronic devices “with the cooperation of the prison administration” and maintained links with what they described as “extremist forces.” One officer told the court, “He is not just a doctor with simple salary demands… we have evidence linking him with external actors.”
The court granted a third five-day extension for police to continue investigating, citing ongoing digital forensics and witness protection concerns. Police also alleged that Dr. Daniel and his associates were intimidating the families of individuals who allegedly died as a result of the strike and that the Amhara Regional Health Bureau is still assessing institutional damages.
Dr. Daniel’s defense team strongly challenged the claims, arguing that if any devices entered prison, accountability lies with authorities, not their client. They also criticized the lack of tangible evidence despite repeated police promises. “The allegation is speculative and not ground enough to detain a public servant indefinitely,” they told the court.
During the hearing yesterday, health professionals gathered in solidarity with Dr. Daniel, while his colleagues raised alarm over possible evidence fabrication. “The accusations have no connection to Dr. Daniel’s reality,” one told Addis Standard, noting that his Facebook page appeared active despite his detention.
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51376
https://addisstandard.com/?p=51376