By: Getahun Tsegaye
Staff Reporter
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Amnesty International has expressed grave concern over the detention of Dr. Daniel Fentaneh and called for his immediate and unconditional release.
In a statement issued yesterday, June 30, Amnesty International stated its deep concern about the arbitrary arrest and detention of Dr. Daniel Fentaneh, a lecturer and final-year resident in gynecology and obstetrics at Bahir Dar University.
On Wednesday, June 23, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m., security forces apprehended Dr. Daniel, a 4th-year obstetrics and gynecology resident, in Bahir Dar. Four days later, on June 27, he was brought before the Bahir Dar First Instance Court. During the hearing, authorities alleged that he played a central role in initiating and coordinating a healthcare workers’ strike, which, according to official court documents, was linked to fatalities. Police specifically accused him of “mobilizing medical professionals to participate in a strike that led to loss of lives.”
Amnesty International stated that this incident exemplifies the frequent disregard for the rule of law by Ethiopian authorities who suppress individual freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly. It is alleged that this pattern not only erodes the rule of law but also fosters authoritarian tendencies within the country, raising worries about “prosecuting individuals for political gain.”
Dr. Daniel is also the founder of MAC-Ethiopia and a key figure behind the “Dr. Debol” Facebook page.
Right after his detention, the Ethiopian Health Professional Movement (EHPM) called on the government to immediately release Dr. Daniel on June 20, stating: “Our esteemed colleague, the courageous Dr. Daniel, has been unjustly arrested simply for demanding his rights and the rights of health professionals in Ethiopia.” The EHPM added, “This is not just an attack on Dr. Daniel—it is an attack on freedom of speech, the dignity of the health workforce, and the fundamental human rights guaranteed by our constitution.”
Human Rights Watch (HRW) also reflected concerns in a June 25 report, urging Ethiopian authorities to “immediately rescind the suspension of a prominent health professionals organization and meaningfully address public healthcare workers’ outstanding grievances.”
Laetitia Bader, deputy Africa director at Human Rights Watch, criticized the government’s approach, stating, “Since May, the Ethiopian authorities have resorted to repressive tactics instead of addressing healthcare workers’ concerns about their livelihoods and safety.”
About a week ago, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed met with health professionals during the ongoing nationwide strike, which demands fair and livable wages. During the discussion, the Prime Minister appeared to frame the doctors’ movement as politically motivated. He also alleged that some health workers may be deliberately damaging equipment to divert patients toward private clinics — a claim that has raised concern among many. Regarding the central problem of salary adjustment, the Prime Minister indicated that such changes are not feasible at this time. He urged health professionals to remain patient and find fulfillment in the service they provide through healing others.
Amnesty International called on the Amhara Region Police Commission to release Dr. Daniel immediately and unconditionally.
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