Blen Mesfin facts for kids

Blen Mesfin (Amharic: ብሌን መስፍን) is an important leader in Ethiopia's Semayawi (Blue) Party. This party is an "opposition party," which means it offers different ideas and solutions for the country compared to the government currently in power. In 2016, Blen Mesfin became well-known when she was named one of twenty women "political prisoners" in a special effort called the FreeThe20 campaign. This campaign was highlighted by Samantha Power, who was the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations at the time. A political prisoner is someone held by a government, often because of their political beliefs or actions, rather than for a common crime.

Who is Blen Mesfin?

Blen Mesfin is a brave and dedicated person who works for change in her country, Ethiopia. She is a key official in the Semayawi (Blue) Party. This party aims to bring new ideas and improvements to Ethiopia's government and society.

What is the Semayawi (Blue) Party?

The Semayawi (Blue) Party is a political group in Ethiopia. It is known as an "opposition party" because its members work to challenge the current government. They suggest different ways to run the country and try to make sure everyone's voices are heard. Political parties like Semayawi are important for a healthy democracy. They give people choices and different viewpoints.

Why Was Blen Mesfin Arrested?

Blen Mesfin was arrested in April 2015 during a protest in Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. This protest was held to remember 26 Ethiopians who were tragically killed by a group in Libya. People gathered to show their sadness and to ask for justice. Before another planned political gathering on April 27, more than 30 members of the Semayawi Party, including Blen Mesfin, were arrested.

The FreeThe20 Campaign

In 2016, Blen Mesfin was part of the "FreeThe20 campaign." This was an international effort to bring attention to twenty women around the world who were considered political prisoners. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about their situations and call for their freedom. It was supported by important figures like Samantha Power from the United Nations.

Other Leaders from the Semayawi Party

Blen Mesfin was not the only member of the Semayawi Party who faced arrest. Two other important women from the party, Meron Alemayehu (ሜሮን አለማየሁ) and Nigist Wondifraw (ንግስት ወንዲፍራው), were also arrested. They were also part of the FreeThe20 campaign, listed as #5 and #6. The good news is that Meron Alemayehu and Nigist Wondifraw are now free.