Justice, Press Freedom, ETHIOPIA:
Opposition to Ethiopia’s anti terrorism law resurfaces

12/7/2012 2:14:29 AM Reprint | | Print |

ADDIS ABABA - Ethiopia’s Anti-Terrorism Proclamation is once again stirring debate as lawyer Temam Ababulga challenges the 2009 law as unconstitutional in the highly-publicised “Muslim terrorism” case. - Twenty-nine leaders of the Muslim community arrested during a meeting in July and charged under the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation, were due for judgement Thursday but the case has been postponed to 17th December.

Ethiopia has had Muslim demonstrations since the beginning of the year, with members of the religious community protesting against what they say is government interference in their religious affairs.

Rights organisations, the UN and foreign governments have criticised the proclamation for its broad interpretations of terrorism.

Almost 200 people were imprisoned under this proclamation in 2011 alone, mostly members of the opposition, journalists and activists. /IPS (END//2012)

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