Ethiopia: Prisoners of conscience on trial for treason: opposition party leaders, human rights defenders and journalists

Index Number: AFR 25/013/2006
Date Published: 1 May 2006
Categories: Africa, Ethiopia

Amnesty International is deeply concerned that elected opposition members of parliament, human rights defenders and independent journalists are on trial for treason and other serious criminal offences, most of which could carry the death sentence. Amnesty International has called for their release as prisoners of conscience who have not used or advocated violence. It fears they will not receive a fair trial. Amnesty International is calling for the removal of the death penalty and for the removal of the charge of genocide as being "absurd" in this trial. The report concludes with Amnesty International's recommendations.