Death sentence recommended for 38 Ethiopian opposition leaders
Ethiopian prosecutors today asked for the death penalty for 38 politicians and activists accused of inciting violence in an attempt to overthrow the government.
The court is expected to issue a sentence on July 16. The accused, who have chosen not to defend themselves, did not speak during today’s session, but will have a chance to do so during next week's court session.
“They have not shown any sign of regret in the court, and they have not (accepted) the sovereignty of the court,” said prosecutor Abraham Tetemke. “Therefore we request that they should be punished with capital punishment.”
The prosecution said they felt the maximum penalty was appropriate for the leaders, who were part of a group of more than 100 people jailed for allegedly inciting violence after Ethiopia’s controversial May 2005 elections.
While there is a death row in Ethiopia, no one has been executed in at least eight years.
Addis Ababa swirled with rumours for weeks about a deal to pardon the prisoners, but Prime Minister Meles Zenawi rebuffed them, saying the matter would be decided by the courts.
