Jailed Politican's Health Deteriorating

The mother of Birtukan Mideksa says he 35-year-old former judge and leader of the largest opposition party, Unity for Justice and Democracy, is experiencing serious medical problems.

Birtukan is serving a life sentence in Kality Prison on government charges stemming from violent conflicts that disrupted during the 2005 election.

Though a court order permits visits by family members, her lawyer and others, the only two people allowed in by prison officials are her 72-year-old mother, Almaz Gebregziabher, and her 5-year-old daughter, Hale Mideksa.

Birtukan has been treated for an undisclosed illness at the prison’s clinic, Almaz told the VOA. Mlmaz said she has tried to meet with prison authorities since last Sunday to request they offer her daughter outside medical attention.

The

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