Ethiopia’s opposition leaders could get clemency
July 19, 2007 (ADDIS ABABA) — Ethiopia is leaning towards granting clemency to opposition members sentenced this week to life in prison, a government source said on Thursday.
The United States, a major ally, has urged Ethiopia to consider clemency after 35 opposition members were given life sentences on Monday for inciting violence, treason and trying to overthrow the government.
The charges related to violent protests over 2005 elections, in which the opposition won its biggest parliamentary showing but said it was robbed of victory by vote-rigging.
Eight other defendants received sentences of between 18 months and 18 years after a trial that rights groups and some donor governments criticised as a move by Prime Minister Meles Zenawi to cripple the opposition.
“There’s a possibility they’ll get clemency,” the government source told Reuters.
Another Ethiopian source said: “The tendency is to give clemency to these people.”
It was not immediately clear what form the clemency would take or how many defendants would benefit from it.
The constitutional powers of clemency reside with President Girma Woldegiorgise, not Meles, but the prime minister’s opinion on the matter was expected to carry great weight in any pardon.
Earlier this week, Ethiopia’s pardon board visited the imprisoned defendants to verify the authenticity of a letter the government said had been sent to Meles asking for mercy.
Monday’s court ruling revoked the defendants’ constitutional rights, including the right to stand for election, which analysts say would still apply even if they are freed.
A parliament-commissioned inquiry has found 199 civilians and police officers were killed in clashes over the 2005 vote, which was billed as the freest ever in the relatively young democracy.
The parliamentary inquiry found that more than 800 people were injured and 30,000 suspected opposition members were arrested. European Union observers listed a catalogue of irregularities including the intimidation of opponents.
Meles has said he regretted the post-election violence, but blamed it on an opposition conspiracy to topple him by force.
(Reuters)