Ethiopians in Italy, local authorities in Asinara and Porto Torres, in Sardinia, and friends of Ethiopia are organizing a special memorial service for the great people of our country who were imprisoned on the island of Asinara by the then fascist government of Italy. The imprisonment of those and their families who were feared as a threat by the then Fascist Government of Italy is a history that we remember. Among those imprisoned were Princess Romanework Haile Selassie, the eldest daughter of His Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie, and her three children. Princess Romanework and her son Lij Getachew Beyene died in prison and were buried in the city of Turin, where their remains still lie. After the Emperor was exiled, the Ethiopian government was led by the late Prince Ras Imiru Haile Selassie, who was later imprisoned and brought to Asinara. In total, about 400 Ethiopians were imprisoned in Asinara. Although most of them returned to Ethiopia after the defeat of Italy by Ethiopia, this is arguably the first time that their history and sacrifices have been commemorated in such a prominent manner by local officials and direct descendants of former prisoners of war.
The special commemoration of these Ethiopians in Asinara by local authorities and direct descendants of prisoners of war is intended to ensure that this history is not forgotten, and to commemorate the sacrifices of these great people who represented Ethiopia with the utmost loyalty, dignity and pride.
I would like to express my gratitude to the organizers for their love and respect for their country, people and history. In particular, I would like to express my gratitude to the young Ethiopians born and raised abroad for their determination and contributions towards the commemoration of the history of our great national heroes who were imprisoned in Asinara during the invasion of Ethiopia from 1935-1941 by the then Fascist Italy.
Studying our country’s vast history and commemorating the sacrifices paid by our people in the defense of Ethiopia’s freedom, independence and unity are essential for understanding the true essence and spirit of Ethiopia.
May God, the Creator, protect Ethiopia. May the souls of our patriotic fathers and mothers rest in peace.
Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie Haile-Selassie
