OLF Statement on the Second Year Memorial Day of the Killing of Our Renowned Artist Hachaaluu Hundeessaa.
June 29, 2022
On the 29th day of June 2020, our beloved artist, the beacon of liberation struggle, the truck-voice of the Qeerroo popular movement, was mysteriously murdered. It shocked everyone. The aftermath was also murderous. Hundreds of the youth, who mourned and protested against the killing, were also executed. As if that was not enough, his close relatives were also slain on the door-steps of Hachaaluu’s parent in Ambo, while the mourners were in grief.
Following was the ruthless and senseless incarceration of Oromo political leaders, cadres, members, and supporters. OLF leaders are languishing in prison until today. Mischievous allegation and propaganda campaign was staged against those detained with disregard to the cardinal legal principles that assumes ‘innocence of the accused unless proven by the court of law’.
While observing the Second Memorial Day of the brutal killing of our hero Hachaaluu Hundeessaa, we also mournfully but bravely remember those Oromo artists who were murdered, disappeared, subjected to inhumane suffering in the known and unknown prison houses of successive Ethiopian regimes. Artists such as Abdullahi Arsi, Ayyub Abubaker, Abubaker Musa, Mustafa Abdi (Harawee), Ahmed Kebira, Ayyaantu Borana, Himee Yousuf, Kulani Boru, Sabbontuu Barentoo, Bonsiso Chala, Hordofa Barento, Jireenya Ayana, Ebbisa Adunya, Tena Wayessa, Usmayo Musa, Abdi Qophe, Bahilu Girma, Zenu Mekonnen, Yoseph Gemmachu, Marame Harqaa-Kasa, Dadhi Gelan, Cawaqaa Yaddessa, and Oftana Tarressa (writer) were killed or disappeared for the simple reason that they voiced against tyranny and song about the truth.
Hachaaluu’s murder is the continuation of these heartless act by successive Ethiopian regimes. We strongly remined our Qeerro and Qarree that such cruel act could only be stopped through intensified struggle against the oppressive system.
The killings of Hachaaluu and the crime of murder committed against his fans, the youth and close family members have not yet transparently and independently investigated. The mysterious killings and lack of legal redress has pained all of us and his family most bitterly.
Hachaaluu’s parents, children, wife, friends, relatives and the Oromo people at large deserve justice to be done. We continue to demand an independent investigation into the crime and appropriate legal redress.
Victory to the Masses!
Oromo Liberation Front
Finfinnee, June 29,2022
