Politics
Defendants, Motion to Dismiss, and National Dialogue Recommendations: What You Need to Know
BBC · 2 weeks ago · Read the Full Story on BBC
AI SUMMARY
Over 600 prisoners were released on the eve of the Ethiopian New Year following a five-month negotiation process facilitated by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, though about 30 defendants on trial remain in custody after refusing to sign pardon documents.
- Over 600 prisoners, including individuals convicted of serious crimes and those facing ongoing trial, were released on the eve of the Ethiopian New Year.
- Politicians Christian Tadele, Kassa Tesfager, and Chane Kebede were among those released on September 10.
- Around 30 other individuals on trial, including Yohannes Buayalew, Meskerem Abera, and Gobezie Sisay, remain in custody.
- The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission stated that the releases followed five months of shuttle diplomacy and requests for cases to be reviewed under special circumstances.
- EHRC stated that about 28 prisoners were not released because they did not submit a request for pardon.
- Families of detained individuals stated that they refused to sign pardon documents because they are still on trial and have not been convicted.
- Legal experts note that dropping charges is a prosecutorial power under Article 207 of the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Law and does not require a defendant to request a pardon or sign conditions.
- Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed presented the prisoner releases as an outcome of the National Dialogue aimed at launching reconciliation with love, forgiveness, and peace.
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