Addis Ababa, February 25, 2020 (FBC) – The Government of Ethiopia has dropped charges against 63 individuals suspected of committing crimes.
Zinabu Tunu, Public Relations and Communication Director at the Attorney General, told journalists today that the decision was made taking into account its contribution to national unity.
He added the move also took into consideration its importance for the ongoing reform, to the people and the country.
Among the individuals to be released include those accused of corruption in Metals and Engineering Corporation (METEC) and human rights violations in various parts of the country, including in Somali and Benishangul Gumuz regional states, said Zinabu.
Individuals arrested in connection with the June 22 incident in Amhara regional state and violence in Sidama zone are also among those that will be released, he said.
He further said only 1,682 out of the 3,606 individuals suspected of involving in various criminal activities have been arrested so far. Works will be carried out to arrest and bring to justice the remaining suspects.
In accordance with the recently approved law, measures will be taken against individuals engaged in spreading information that incites violence and promoting hatred, he added.
Ethiopian parliament on February 13 approved a hate speech and disinformation prevention and suppression law with a majority vote, 23 against and 2 abstentions.
The law is aimed at promoting tolerance, civil discourse and dialogue, mutual respect and understanding and strengthening democratic governance.
It is also intended to control and suppress the dissemination and proliferation of hate speech, disinformation and other related false and misleading information.
List of the 63 individuals to be released
1. Lt Col. Biniam Tewelde
2. Lt Col. Selay Yihun
3. Lt Col. Tsegaye Animut
4. Col. Shegaw Mulugeta
5. Col. Girma Manzergia
6. Col. Zefan Berhe
7. Col. Asmeret Kidane
8. Capitan Yikunoamlak Tesfaye
9. Alem Fitsum
10. Selemon Abrha
11. Semere Haile
12. Kiflay Niguse
13. Lt Col. Mengistu Kebede
14. Lt Col. Israel Assfaw
15. Lt Col. Ketema Kebede
16. Lt Col. Leteberhan Demoze
17. Usman Kebede
18. Lt Col. Waktola Addisu
19. Lt Col. Tabor Edosa
20. Capitan Yohannes Tikesa
21. Mrs Welanssa Gebreyesus
22. Major Remedan Legas
23. Mulugeta Seid
24. Wasie Sadik
25. Sisay Debele
26. Aklilu Girma
27. Mrs Rahma Mohammed
28. Mrs Zemzem Hassen
29. Commander Faruk Bedri
30. Asteraw Kebede
31. Sisay Altaseb
32. Abebe Fanta
33. Aschalew Worku
34. Teshome Melese
35. Alemneh Mulu
36. Kedir Seid
37. Addis Amare
38. Amare Bile
39. Christian Tadele
40. Belete Kassa
41. Miftah Shemsu
42. Dr Mate Mengesha
43. Tariku Lemma
44. Getahun Guday
45. Belay Belguda
46. Amelu Tamiso
47. Tefera Kenfeto
48. Asst Prof Tessema Elias
49. Amanuel Belayneh
50. Addisu Qamiso
51. Superintendent Asegel Weldgiorgis
52. Superintendent Assefa Kidane
53. Superintendent Gebregziabher Gebrehawariat
54. Girma Abu
55. Abdulmuniyer Abduljelis
56. Tofiq Abdulkadir
57. Kemal Mohammed
58. Commander Usman Ahmed
59. Commander Edosa Gosh
60. Babeker Kelifa
61. Chief Sergeant Etenesh Arefayne
62. Ermias Amelga
63. Mulugeta Seid