05/18/2024
TO:
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,
President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dabi
RE: An appeal regarding the detention of Mr. Dawit Gebregziabher
The Union of Tigrayans in North America (UTNA), a US-based civic organization with more than twenty Chapters in North America, is writing this letter out of grave concern after learning the sad news of the detention of Mr. Dawit Gebregziabher, an Ethiopian businessman residing in the United Arab Emirates. We are deeply alarmed by the reports of the detention of Mr. Gebregziabher in Dubai, UAE, on May 9th, 2024, and held incommunicado. We are even more concerned by the news that Ethiopian security personnel has traveled to the UAE and that UAE is intending to extradite Mr. Gebregziabher to Ethiopia against his will.
We would like to bring to your attention the fact that Mr. Gebregziabher will face grave danger if your government proceeds with this plan. International law and common humane decency places obligations on all states to protect people from being forced into a situation where they would risk the most severe treatment and torture or put their lives in jeopardy.
Whatever the circumstance surrounding the detention of Mr. Gebregziabher may be, we believe that the rule of law should permit Mr. Gebregziabher full access to your country’s legal system, including the right to legal counseling and family visitation.
Your Highness,
We respectfully request your intervention to prevent the extradition of Mr. Gebregziabher, and we urge you instead to extend your country’s generous hospitality to people who desperately need your country’s protection.
We appeal to your wisdom and quick intervention in the hope that you will look into this matter and ensure the safety of Mr. Gebregziabher.
Most Respectfully,
Union of Tigrayans in North America (UTNA),
Washington, DC | [email protected]
CC
US Department of State
UNHRC
Amnesty International
Human Rights Watch
