Mesfin Woldemariam was born in Addis Ababa in 1930. He is remembered as one of the famous people of Addis Ababa for bringing justice, peace and equality to his countrymen. He is also remembered as a peace activist. Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRC) and the Rainbow Ethiopia: Movement for Democracy and Social Justice were founded by Mesfin Wolde Mariam.
Mesfin's Early Life
Mesfin Wolde Mariam in his childhood attended the Tafari Mekonnen High School. In 1946, Mesfin received an ordinance as a deacon as he was a student of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. He pursued his higher studies in London. He completed his B.A. in 1955 from the Punjab University, Chandigarh and received his M.S. Degree from the Clark University, United States in 1957.
Professional Career
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Mesfin Wolde Mariam started his professional career as a professor of geography at the Haile Selassie University. Today it is known as the Addis Ababa University. Later he also became the head of the geography department. In 1971, 1986 and 1987 he remained Fullbright scholar. Due to critical views about the Ethiopian Government, Mesfin was fired in 1991.
Other Accomplishments
Along with leading members of the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, Mesfin was also detained. He was charged with treason, constitution rebellion and genocide. However after many trials, on 20th June 2007 Mesfin was freed along with other convicted. For his active participation in bringing justice to his countrymen, he was nominated for Sakharov Prize. This prize is awarded to the defenders of human rights and is regarded as the highest European Unions Prize.
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