- We have no qualms to rent to this group, said CEO Nordberg church, Olav Missing, To Our Country Wednesday morning.
The tenants claimed it was the Ethiopian Association in Norway that would hire Nordberg Church Hall this Saturday.In reality, the purpose was to raise money for the opposition group Ginbot 7's armed struggle against the Ethiopian government.
On the event's Facebook page, with photos of soldiers with guns, nearly 300 people participating. Admission was priced at 200 dollars.
The Ethiopian Association in Norway has contacted our Country to say that they have nothing to do with the event.
- Checks not. - In Norway there is freedom. We as a church practice great openness to international friends. Therefore, we have not seen any need to check out especially who hire, said Missing.
- Even if they use weapons to accomplish their goals?
- That said, we have not examined out who rents.
The church, however, received inquiries from other parts of the Ethiopian community earlier this week. They warned against demonstrations arrangement.
- It is difficult for us to know if there are people who want to smear opponents. There are contradictions in the Ethiopian community. If we pay attention to it? We find it difficult as long as the government warns. We checked out including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The advice we have received is that we can not think too much about this, said Missing.
- Bargain. Kjetil Tronvold, professor of International Law and Policy Institute says that Ginbot 7 has claimed responsibility for the illegal activity in Ethiopia.
- They have been accused and convicted in Ethiopia. They also tried out the coup and overthrow the government. The group itself claims that the fight against dictatorship and that they must use all available means in this game.
Tronvold said that Ginbot 7 is not in the U.S., UN and EU lists of terrorist organizations.
After Our Land first spoke with CEO Olav Missing in Nordberg church, he calls back.
- We have now completed this contract. We investigated further and it clearly appears on the Facebook website and it is about to raise money for armed action. It is incompatible with the church's values.
- Radical leader. Øyvind Aadland, Secretary General of the Foundation, has been associated with Ethiopia for more than 45 years. He has worked as a missionary and later with human rights, democracy and journalism in the country.Aadland have known leader of Ginbot 7 for more than 15 years.
- After the 2005 elections in which the government undermined result, the leader Berhanu Nega become radicalized, says Aadland.
- Should Nordberg church could rent to this political group?
- The party has had a controversial development and can be perceived as violent. A church should be particularly careful not to be identified with groups of many perceived as violent and controversial.
Our Country has failed to get comments from Ginbot 7 The creator of the event's Facebook page is not named.Nordberg church has not wanted to put you in touch with the tenants.