Africa-Press – Ethiopia. July 5, 2025 2 minutes read Addis Abeba – The Bahir Dar City High Court in the Amhara regional state has granted an additional 14 days for police to continue to remand and investigate the case of Dr. Daniel Fentahun, a prominent gynecology and obstetrics resident at Bahir Dar University, who stands accused of leading a protest movement involving detained healthcare workers.
Dr. Daniel, known widely by his social media handle “Dr. Debol,” was detained on Wednesday, 25 June, around 1:30 p.m. in Bahir Dar, the capital of Amhara region.
He has since been charged with “inciting, mobilizing, and organizing” a health workers’ strike that authorities allege resulted in the “loss of human life,” according to court filings. His previous court appearance on 27 June had resulted in a five-day investigation window. At his latest appearance on 3 July, the police requested an extension, citing “pending matters requiring further clarification.” The court granted the request and adjourned the next hearing for 10 July.
Family members who spoke to Addis Standard expressed confusion and dismay over the allegations. “We are confused,” one said. “Like any other health professional, he only asked a question. There was nothing harmful or destructive in what he did.”
Another relative spoke of the community’s trust in Dr. Daniel, saying, “He is full of dreams and has even prepared materials and books to support healthcare professionals.”
Dr. Daniel has been a prominent figure in the Ethiopian Health Professionals’ Movement, using his “Dr. Debol” Facebook platform to amplify calls for better pay, improved working conditions, and protection of medical workers’ rights. The nationwide strike, which began on 13 May following months of online mobilization using hashtags like #HealthWorkersMatter, has triggered waves of arrests and alleged intimidation.
Amnesty International has condemned Dr. Daniel’s detention, calling it “arbitrary” and part of a “disturbing trend” of repression against health professionals. The rights organization has demanded his “immediate and unconditional release.”
Dr. Daniel is also a medical author and digital health advocate, known for his works Debol Bedside Oriented Surgery and How to Open a Clinic in Ethiopia. He is a founding board member and e-learning team lead at MAC Ethiopia, a platform promoting medical education and innovation.
His arrest came days after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed accused unnamed actors of hijacking the strike, stating that the movement had been “overtaken by political opportunists.” In remarks to health workers, the Prime Minister claimed the protest was “no longer in your hands” and accused certain participants of “turning the white coat into a political tool.”
Other health professionals detained in connection with the strike include Dr. Mahlet Guush, released on bail on 12 June after three weeks in custody, and Yonatan Dagnaw, president of the healthcare professionals’ association, who was detained on 4 May and later released. AS
TagsAfrica Amhara Region Ethiopia Health Workers Health Workers Demand for Fair Pay Human Rights Law & Justice Copy URL URL Copied July 5, 2025 2 minutes read Show More Facebook X LinkedIn Tumblr Pinterest Reddit VKontakte Share via Email Print
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