Ethiopia prosecutors seek death in opposition case

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

Ethiopia prosecutors seek death in opposition case
Mon Jul 9, 2007 6:37AM EDT

By Tsegaye Tadesse

ADDIS ABABA, July 9 (Reuters) - Ethiopian prosecutors
demanded the death penalty on Monday for 38 opposition
officials convicted of trying to overthrow the government,
treason and inciting violence.

"Since they have been found guilty on all counts, they
should be punished with the highest penalty," prosecutor
Abraham Tetemke told the court, which adjourned for a
week to consider the demand.

-snip-

The United States, which counts Ethiopia as an ally in its
war on terrorism, said last month it was very concerned
about the court ruling and was watching the situation
closely.

The opposition officials were convicted last month of
charges relating to violent protests over 2005 elections
which the opposition says were rigged.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSL09723043

[alfredo]

1. The police waded into the demonstration. They were the ones

committing the acts of violence. The demonstration was peaceful until the demonstrators were attacked. This according to an Ethiopian I know.

[Eugene]

2. Life in jail for Ethiopia leaders

Source: BBC News

Last Updated: Monday, 16 July 2007, 10:38 GMT 11:38 UK

Life in jail for Ethiopia leaders

An Ethiopian court has handed down life sentences to all of the
main opposition leaders convicted of links to violent election
protests in a major trial.

Eight of the 38 opposition figures in court were given shorter
prison terms. The prosecution had demanded the death penalty
for them all.

They refused to recognise the court, saying the trial was political.

Their relatives say the detainees have signed a document which
could pave the way for their release.

-snip-

Read more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6900368.stm

[Eugene]

3. Ethiopia frees 38 opposition members

Source: Reuters

Ethiopia frees 38 opposition members
Fri Jul 20, 2007 6:17AM EDT

By Tsegaye Tadesse

ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - Ethiopia on Friday freed 38 opposition
members sentenced to jail this week for treason, inciting violence
and trying to overthrow the government, Prime Minister Meles
Zenawi said.

Rights groups and donor governments complained the trial was
politically motivated and an attempt to dismantle the opposition
Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) after they made strong
gains at May 2005 elections that spawned deadly protests.

"The pardon is total. They are being freed with their constitutional
rights restored. They have committed themselves to adhere (to)
and respect the rule of law as well as the constitution of the
country," Meles told a press conference.

-snip-

Meles denied influence from Washington, which considers Ethiopia
its strongest counter-terrorism ally in the Horn of Africa, had
played any role.

-snip-

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSL2080869520070720

[DrDan]

4. My wife and I lived in Ethiopia back in the '70s, right after

Marxists took over.

A bit after they took over, they declared protests would be legal and allowed. One Saturday afternoon, a bunch of protesters - mostly college-aged - gathered at "Red Square" in Addis Ababa. They were immediately rounded up and arrested.

Also, there were roadblocks set up at major intersections around the city. A couple of cars tried to run the roadblocks. They immediately open-fired killing the occupants. The sad part was that they did not move the car or occupants for several days - setting an example for others.