We have learned on Saturday the terribly shocking news about the death of journalist and freedom activist Demis Belete who returned to Ethiopia from the United States after 3 decades in exile.
The cause of death is not known yet. Addis Ababa Police is investigating.
Demis went to Ethiopia 3 weeks ago. He was in good health, according to his family and friends. His lifeless body was found by his sister in his bedroom when she went to check on him Friday morning.
Before moving to Las Vegas a few years ago, Demis hosted a popular Amharic language radio program named Nigat in Washington DC. He was also one of the founders and hosts of Aend Ethiopia Radio.
On top of his journalistic work, Demis had been a strong critic of the TPLF-ruled Ethiopian regime. His work both as a journalist and an activist took him to Eritrea several times to report about the rebel group, Ethiopian People’s Patriotic Front (EPPF). When young Ethiopians in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia rose up against the TPLF regime two years ago, he tried to support their cause by launching and hosting Voice of Amhara Radio.
Demis is survived by his wife and children who resides in Las Vegas, and his mother and other close family members who reside in Addis Ababa.
Ethiopia is currently going through a radical reform under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s leadership thanks in no small part to the struggles and sacrifices of patriots like Demis Belete.
A memorial service will be held for Demis today at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa.
A poem written by Demis as he prepared to return to Ethiopia:
https://youtu.be/N_14AbMYv1E
Demis Belete’s grief-stricken mother Wzr. Asamenech Yimam and relatives
