Court sentences three Ethiopian to death over bus bombing
By Tesfa-alem Tekle
May 8, 2008 (HUMORA, Tigray) — The Tigray regional high court on Thursday passed a death and life sentences over 6 Ethiopian accused of bombing a passenger bus at the northern Ethiopian Tigray regions Humora town on March 13.
Nine civilians were killed and another 31 wounded at the bombing of a bus travelling from Humera to Shira town in northern Ethiopia.
The Temporary High Court which was set up by the regional government for this specific case in its hearing today has found all the defendants guilty. The court sentenced three of death penalty and two others to life imprisonment.
The open court, crowded with some 1000 residents of Humora town sank quiet when the central judge, Abraha Meles, cleared his throat to announce the final sentence over criminals.
“Listening to all the witnesses brought from left and right we have found all the defendants guilty” the central judge, Abraha Meles said. After a short pause he continued “accordingly we have passed a death sentence over 3 defendants namely Birhanu Tesfay, Berihu Legesse and Gebretsadkan Bahta.”
“While the court has passed life sentences to Tesfay Kahsay and Birhanu Welday” judge Abraha added.
Among the defendants Birhanu Kahsay pleaded guilty of masterminding the attacks.
The court has also passed 20 years of prison terms over a town police who cooperated with the perpetrators in negligence to his duty and responsibility.
The defendants were charged with terror acts, treason, plotting attacks, arms smuggling, cross-border attacks, and spying.
The temporary court has earlier sat four times to hear the case.
The court also found that the accused had been in contact to commit more attacks with Eritrean officials.
According to a document read at the court, all the “terrorists” have been receiving orders from Eritrean authorities for attacks and had further plans to destroy 26 electric transformers of Humora town and to carry out attacks over government officials.
Abrehet Belay, relative of a victim and resident of the town after the court closed says that the quick legal reaction Ethiopia took is exemplary.
“The legal action taken in no time over the anti-societies by government is exemplary others should follow against anti-peace bodies and it is a clear warning for other terrorists to refrain from such attacks or face the consequences,” Abrehet told Sudan Tribune.
(ST)