News / Africa

Ethiopia Jails Journalists, Activists for 'Terrorism'

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VOA News
At least 20 Ethiopians, including journalists and opposition figures, have been sentenced to prison on terrorism charges, after a trial denounced by human rights groups.

In sentences handed down Friday, prominent journalist and blogger Eskinder Nega was jailed for 18  years, while Andualem Arage, a member of the Unity for Democracy and Justice party, was given life in prison.

Many of the others were sentenced in absentia, but both Eskinder and Andualem are in Ethiopian custody.

Last month, Ethiopia's high court convicted a total of 24 people under the country's broad anti-terrorism law, which rights groups say is being used to jail critics of the government.

Ethiopian officials deny that accusation.

Human Rights Watch says a total of 34 people have been convicted under the law, including 11 journalists and four opposition supporters.


Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.

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by: asemahagne abebe from: jacsonville fl
July 14, 2012 9:44 PM
these is the former rebel who complain genocied and atrocity againest the previous mengistu hilemariam fascist government, but things chenge for them now ,they overthrough the government and they took full control of ethiopia ,now they the one who has the power and the weapon and they the one who does the killing what a hipocrits i am naturalized citezen of the united state and our taxe money shouled not go to any dictetors


by: Anonymous
July 13, 2012 10:21 AM
Ethiopia leaders committing the henious crimes against humanity but to some superpower still give ruthless infusssion to survive. Get right smell the coffee.

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