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Addis Ababa – September 17, 2025 — The family and lawyer of detained Ethiopian parliamentarian Ato Christian Tadele say the opposition figure’s health has deteriorated sharply while he remains in custody at Kilinto prison, sparking fresh calls for urgent medical intervention and independent monitoring.
Christian Tadele, a prominent member of the House of People’s Representatives elected under the National Movement of Amhara (NaMA) banner, was arrested on 4 August 2023 after the federal government declared a state of emergency in the conflict-torn Amhara region. His parliamentary immunity was formally lifted on 14 March 2024, clearing the way for prosecutors to pursue charges under Ethiopia’s Criminal Code, including alleged violations of the anti-terrorism and weapons control proclamations.
Health Crisis After Surgery
According to his lawyer, Solomon Gezahegne, and a close family member who spoke to the BBC on condition of anonymity, Tadele underwent surgery at Kerderez Hospital several months ago but was returned to Kilinto prison without adequate medical supervision. Both say his condition has worsened dramatically since.
“When I heard that he was unwell, I went to see him,” Solomon told the BBC. “He looked very sick and tired.” He said limited access to proper monitoring, appropriate food and basic necessities such as blankets has compounded the problem. Family members echoed the concern, adding that prison authorities have repeatedly blocked their attempts to bring in court-approved items and food tailored to his recovery.
The relative described Tadele as “very sick; he does not even stand up and talk to us,” and said visits are marred by harassment and intimidation from prison staff.
Legal and Political Backdrop
Tadele, who once chaired the parliament’s standing committee on government expenditure and oversight, faces charges for alleged offences under Ethiopia’s Criminal Code, the Prevention of Terrorism Proclamation and the Weapons Management and Control Proclamation. Prosecutors began presenting witnesses in March 2024, and the case remains before the courts.
His arrest came amid a federal crackdown on opposition voices and armed groups in Amhara. Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have criticised the government’s broad use of state-of-emergency powers, warning they enable arbitrary arrests and prolonged detention without adequate safeguards.
Calls for International Scrutiny
Tadele’s family is urging Ethiopian authorities and international human rights organisations to intervene, demanding that he be granted immediate, independent medical care. “We ask human rights organizations to visit prisoners whose rights are being violated so that he can receive the treatment he needs,” the relative said.
As of mid-September 2025, no government statement has addressed the specific allegations of medical neglect. Rights groups continue to call for transparency and due process in the treatment of political detainees held under the emergency decree.
Christian Tadele’s case has become emblematic of the tension between Ethiopia’s security crackdowns and the protection of basic rights — a tension now sharpened by the urgent question of whether the detained MP will receive life-saving medical attention before it is too late.
