(May 2013, (AFP))--Rights groups accuse the Ethiopian government of using the law to stifle peaceful dissent after a court confirms jail terms for a blogger and an opposition figure. An Ethiopian court on Thursday dismissed the appeal of blogger Eskinder Nega and opposition leader Andualem Arage who were jailed last year for terror-related offences.
"The sentencing is still correct so there is no reduction," said Supreme Court judge Dagne Melaku, confirming Eskinder's jail term of 18 years and Andualem's life sentence. One of the charges -- serving as a leader of a terrorist organisation -- was dropped, but had no affect on sentencing.
After the ruling, Eskinder made an emotional appeal to the court which was crowded with family, friends and diplomats. "The truth will set us free," he said. "We want the Ethiopian public to know that the truth will reveal itself, it's only a matter of time." Both men are accused of links to the outlawed opposition group Ginbot 7.
"The walls of justice will be demolished," Andualem told AFP. Four other men also jailed for terror-related charges had their appeal quashed. One other defendant, however, Kinfe Michael, had his sentence reduced from 25 years to 16 years. Read more from ahram online »
"The sentencing is still correct so there is no reduction," said Supreme Court judge Dagne Melaku, confirming Eskinder's jail term of 18 years and Andualem's life sentence. One of the charges -- serving as a leader of a terrorist organisation -- was dropped, but had no affect on sentencing.
After the ruling, Eskinder made an emotional appeal to the court which was crowded with family, friends and diplomats. "The truth will set us free," he said. "We want the Ethiopian public to know that the truth will reveal itself, it's only a matter of time." Both men are accused of links to the outlawed opposition group Ginbot 7.
"The walls of justice will be demolished," Andualem told AFP. Four other men also jailed for terror-related charges had their appeal quashed. One other defendant, however, Kinfe Michael, had his sentence reduced from 25 years to 16 years. Read more from ahram online »
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