ADDIS ABABA – Government announced that it has dropped charges against 63 individuals who had been put in custody in connection with various crimes.
The decision to release the prisoners has to do with the government’s effort to widen the political landscape and strengthen the ongoing reform, according to Office of the Attorney General Director, Fekadu Tsega.
The prisoners were suspected of corruption, involving in June 22 incident that came to happen in the Amhara State, mild human right violations, maladministration, violence in Sidama Zone, Benishangul-Gumuz and Somalia States, said OAG Public Relations Director Zinabu Tunu.
Speaking to journalists, Fekadu noted that Ethiopia had been striving to accommodate the interest of all communities and political parties allowing politicians and leaders of various parties to come back home and partake in the overall activities of the country.
The government believes that the release would contribute to national unity, ensure comprehensive political space, as well strengthen democracy, he added.
However, Fekadu said the government will continue to work to uphold the rule of law and bring perpetrators of crimes against humanity in relation with ethnicity and religion.
So far, only 1,682 out of 3,606 individuals suspected of involving in various criminal activities have been arrested. More works will be carried to arrest and bring the remaining suspects in trial.
It is to recall that the government had released thousands of political prisoners, journalists, bloggers and others in a move to widen the political landscape and promote democracy in the country.
The Ethiopian Herald February 26/2020
BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
