This is a dark day for
justice in Ethiopia, where freedom of expression is being systematically
destroyed by a government targeting any dissenting voice
Claire Beston, Amnesty International’s Ethiopia researcher.
More Ethiopian government opponents have been convicted on trumped up terrorism and treason charges in what Amnesty International called “a dark day” for freedom of expression.
Iconic dissident journalist Eskinder Nega and leading members of the
political opposition, Andualem Arage and Nathnael Mekonnen, along with
five other men, were found guilty on charges of “terrorist acts,
“encouragement of terrorism”, “high treason” and several other charges.
A further 16 men were found guilty in absentia, including several
journalists and one human rights activist. The verdict follows the
conviction of five dissidents on similar charges in January.
“This is a dark day for justice in Ethiopia, where freedom of
expression is being systematically destroyed by a government targeting
any dissenting voice,” said Claire Beston, Amnesty International’s
Ethiopia researcher.
“We believe that Eskinder, Andualem and Nathnael are prisoners of
conscience – convicted because of their legitimate and peaceful
activities, and particularly for advocating peaceful protest against the
government. They should be immediately and unconditionally released.”
The trial was marred by serious irregularities, including allegations
of torture made by at least one defendant, which were not investigated.
Statements by the Prime Minister and programmes aired on state TV
pronouncing the guilt of the defendants violated their right to be
presumed innocent and exerted significant political pressure on the
court.
Ethiopia’s Anti-Terrorism Proclamation, used to convict the
defendants on several of the charges, enables the prosecution of
legitimate and peaceful activities as ‘terrorist’ acts.
“We believe the defendants did not receive a fair trial,” said Beston. “The verdict seemed to be a foregone conclusion.”
“Evidence presented against Eskinder, Andualem and Nathnael did not
demonstrate criminal wrongdoing, instead much of the evidence showed
their peaceful and legitimate activities.”
Several pieces of evidence against Eskinder, a journalist who won
this year’s prestigious PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award,
centred on his discussion of whether last year’s Middle East and North
Africa uprisings could spread to Ethiopia.