“Good luck!” called my driver as I got out in front of the Federal High Court. We had never discussed politics previously, but today he asked who I support. When I replied, he broke into a grin. “Today is a big day,” he said. “Tell them, good luck. We are with them. ”
I got out into the pouring rain and made my way through the mud to where family members and journalists were already gathered. The entrance process took far longer than usual today, and the guards were deliberately more rough in their searches.
It was difficult to find a place to sit and by the time the session began there was not a single seat remaining.
The prisoners entered soon after, looking well, and assumed their usual poise of courage, strength and defiance. The prosecutors followed, and then the judges. (Mohammed was absent and it appeared, for a moment, like the usual delay tactics). It was annouced that the prosecutor would give his closing statement and that the nine who had chosen to defend would have the opportunity to present their defense in three days time (as they requested a copy of the closing prosecuting statement in order to respond).
The prosecutor began—citing the charges that remained and the penalties assigned to them according to the Criminal Code: the 2nd and 3rd charges, we were told, carry 15 years imprisonment and 10-15 years, respectively. The 5th charge carries between 5-25 years imprisonment or, depending on the severity of the crime, life imprisonment or capital punishment; the 1st charge is also punishable by the latter.
He demanded that because none of the defendants had shown any remorse for the ‘crimes’ committed in 2005 , all must receive the maximum sentence—death.
For some reason, just hearing those expected words spoken out loud came as a shock. There was complete silence in the courtroom, except for the wife of one of the prisoners, who let out a strained laugh (and was immediately thrown out of the courtroom). The prosecution concluded that the agencies charged should also receive the maximum penalty of a Birr 500 000 fine and full closure.
Then we all filed out back into the rain.
A ferenji resident shares views on Ethiopian political and social issues.
8 comments:
EC is directly or indirectly responsible not for pushing the Meles regime more. Dergue failed when Soviet Union stop the military aid. Meles will loose power when Ec and US stop aid.
this people are going crazy, they must be jelous at Serkalem for winning international award and want to take all the money. They need to be checked at amanuael hospital
Am I reading it right? Did you actually write 500 million Birr? Who has that kind of money in Ethiopia, except for the looting bands of barbaric louts roaming the inner circle of TPLF?
That is elevating absurdity to a new surreal hight. The tribal hordes are dazed by the ephemeral power of the Gun.
DENBARA KINJIT IT IS 5 HUNDRED THOUSAND NO MILLION
For some reason, just hearing those expected words spoken out loud came as a shock. There was complete silence in the courtroom, except for the wife of one of the prisoners, who let out a strained laugh (and was immediately thrown out of the courtroom). The prosecution concluded that the agencies charged should also receive the maximum penalty of a Birr 500 000 fine and full closure
Of course that was another typo, and as usual no explanation for the re-write. You must have a reason for not acknowledging a comment, but you must understand my stunned disbelief when I saw the previous outrageous sum. In spite of all, I like your style and first hand accounts. Keep us outraged.
As to your commenter at 9:45, we will simply keep him/her in the dark.
I appreciate your way of reporting. Thank you.
Dear Mengedegna,
God Bless you for your unwavering stand with the people of Ethiopia.
Surely, one day Ethipia will be free from this facisim...
Hi Mengedegna,
Thanks for your much anticipated and most informative update. Do ignore the 'hoddam anbetawoch' and their 'teletafiwoch'!.
I was wondering whether the saga of the CUD leaders is the only one going on at the moment? Do you know anything about fate of the jailed Oromo community leaders (Macha-Tulama Association), for instance?
Regards,
Liban
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