Redemption

The notorious detention and investigation center, known as Maekelawi is opened for visitors on Friday September 6, 2019 as a museum. For years, Maekelawi has been synonymous with abuse and repression.
The infamous prison where many politicians, journalists, protest organizers, alleged supporters of ethnic insurgencies, and others were taken to be interrogated by police investigators, who used coercive methods including torture and other forms of abuse to extract confessions, statements, and information from detainees.
The fate of those sent to Maekelawi – except for the more high-profile detainees – was largely unknown to the outside world. Opening up its gates in the New Year and offering the public a glimpse of its brutal reality may help some former detainees deal with the trauma they endured.
The decision for closure of the notorious prison was passed by former Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegne.