Ethiopian Olympic Committee Leaders, Including President Dr. Ashebir Woldegiorgis, Face Human Trafficking Allegations
Four leaders of the Ethiopian Olympic Committee, including President Dr. Ashebir Woldegiorgis, have been charged with human trafficking and related offenses. The Ethiopian Olympic Committee itself is also among the defendants.
The lawsuit, filed by athlete Haile Gebreslase, athlete Gezahgn Abera, the Ethiopian Boxing Federation, and the Ethiopian Tennis Federation, names the Ethiopian Olympic Committee and its key figures: President Dr. Ashebir Woldegiorgis, prosecutor Dr. Eden Ashenafi, General Secretary Ato Dawit Asfau, and Deputy Secretary Ato Ghezahegn Wolde.
The Arada Division of the Federal Court of First Instance, where the case was filed, issued a ruling on May 5 and June 4, 2016, suspending the general meetings and resolutions passed by the committee. The court also ordered the suspension of the Ethiopian Olympic Committee’s executive election, which took place on June 4.
The plaintiff’s lawyer, Ayalew Bitane, told the BBC, “We suspect the defendants were involved in human trafficking in connection with the Paris Olympics. They exploited their positions in the Olympic Committee for personal gain.”
Ayalew further stated that while criminal charges related to human trafficking have yet to be filed, there are plans to open a criminal investigation with the relevant authorities. He also revealed that despite requests from the Ministry of Culture and Sports and the Federal Auditor General’s Office, the Olympic Committee has refused to undergo an audit, adding that the defendants’ accountability will be determined based on the findings of an independent audit.
He highlighted several other irregularities, including the illegal third-term election of Dr. Ashebir, Dr. Eden, and Ato Dawit in a secret assembly, as well as the participation of individuals who did not have the legal right to vote.
The lawsuit comes amidst criticism of the Ethiopian Olympic Committee following the poor performance of the Ethiopian athletics team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite the mounting pressure, President Ashebir recently stated on state television that he has no intention of resigning.
