The ability of the Mengistu regime to maintain itself in power is based on the conviction of most Ethiopians that it is prepared to take whatever steps are necessary to continue in power. Ethiopias record on human rights remains deplorable. Ethiopians have no civil or political freedoms and no institutions or laws to protect their human rights. Over 1 million Ethiopians have fled the country. many preferring life in refugee camps. There were reliable reports in 1986 of the execution of approximately 60 political prisoners in October 1985. None of the executed is known to have been granted a trial. much less an appeal. and the Government has never acknowledged the executions nor attempted to justify them.