This is an open letter intended to resonate an outcry of an Oromo, who is currently enduring undeserved extraordinary circumstance in a prison in USA.
We are friends of this Oromo – Admassu Regassa. We know him as back as 1976. We belong to that active, at times turbulent generation when almost everybody struggled for something beyond survival.
Like most of us, Admassu was from pristine rural community. He was born and raised in Eastern Wollega, Oromia. He courageously wrestled with poverty and everything on his way to a better life. We witnessed how Admassu, without formally completing 12th grade, took Ethiopian School Leaving Certificate Exam and passed it with 5 A’s.
Despite numerous resistances, he joined Addis Ababa University, which he completed with B. Sc, with Great Distinction majoring in Chemistry, his minors being Physics and Mathematics. Soon he completed M. Sc program in the same university.
Inspired by the American dream, Admassu came to the USA in 1994 with the ambition to be a highly distinguished scholar. He joined Georgetown University PhD program, where he got his second MSc in Chemistry. He was on his way to complete his PhD.
Admassu taught in Ethiopian Air Force College, Addis Ababa University, Georgetown and Howard Universities, for a total of 15 years. He participated in numerous scientific research activities, produced research publications that were highly regarded in international scientific community. He was a distinguished member of professional associations, including American Chemical Society and International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.
Unfortunately, hopes and aspirations of this genius, this outstanding son of Oromia, faced unexpected course. In August 1997 Admassu was arrested for allegations of burglary and sexual offence. With no deserving legal support, he was sentenced to 32 years of prison. A quiet, genius son of Oromia, who all that knew about expected to be at the heights of scientific discoveries, is currently half way serving his term in Lewisburg (Pennsylvania, USA) Penitentiary (Federal Prison) under the most severe circumstances with no one allowed to visit him. His whereabouts was out of our sights that we came to know of only this fall (2012). Having exchanged letters with Admassu (as there is absolutely no other means to communicate with him), we witnessed not just the circumstances of agony he is enduring, but also amazing stamina he conveyed to survive – something that surpasses any imagination!
Admassu claims that he is completely innocent. We assume that the verdict of 32 years prison under these excruciating circumstances implies that justice deserves reconsideration. He survived 16 years in solitude. Together with sons and daughters of Oromia and friends that are in sympathy, we can claim justice and avoid Admassu being there till 2029! He was put to prison at the age of 39. He shouldn’t be there till he turns 71!!!
It is to this end, that we organized a legally registered corporation “REHABILITATION CORPORATION FOR ADMASU REGASSA”. We have already placed down payment for attorney fees and legal process is being set up. We kindly request you to join our effort by making your contribution to the dedicated account indicated below and also by passing on the news and encouraging others to do the same. We humbly remind you that your contribution of any amount shall make a huge difference.
Please accept our gratitude for your sympathy and support.
Organizing Committee
For your convenience you can send your contribution directly to the account of the “REHABILITATION CORPORATION FOR ADMASU REGASSA” which is legally organized and registered for this purpose or you can send to the addresses indicated below. For more information you contact them.
- Pay to: Rehabilitation corporation for Admasu Regassa
Account No: 1000152224183. SUN TRUST BANK
Getachew T. Woyessa
6928 Garland Lane
Columbia, MD 21045
Tel. 410-842-3425
E-mail: yalammi@yahoo.com.
Asefa T. Ayana
4345 Bear path Trail
Eagan, MN 55122
Tel. 612-715-1478
E-mail: ata247@gmail.com
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