Ethiopia popular singer released from jail
ADDIS ABABA, Aug 13 (Reuters) – Ethiopia’s popular singer, Teddy Afro, was freed from prison last Thursday after serving 18 months of a two-year sentence because of good behaviour.
Teddy, whose real name is Tewodros Kassahun, was found guilty of the killing of a homeless man in a hit-and-run incident in Addis Ababa in 2007; but denied driving the car.
Opposition parties and supporters say Teddy had been jailed for his criticism to the government in some of his songs.
Hundreds protested outside the court during his trial; an unusual event in Ethiopia where dissent is rare.
After his release in statements to the state TV, the singer expressed his gratitude to the Ethiopians for their support.
Teddy Afro had originally received a six-year jail sentence. Last February the judge reduced it to two years after his lawyer argued that the victim had been drunk and was lying unconscious on the road when he was hit by the singer’s car.
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James
Ethiopia popular singer released from jail
stop it please WAYANE government!!!! stop killing and arresting innocents. Teddy was right as a citizen to critisize your autocratic government.is he (Teddy) not right when he said in his song that “addis nigus ingee lewot washee metha”. Yes of course only a new king is there but the same killing and all violations of the right of Ethiopian citizens is still there. NO CHANGE BUT A NEW KING…, Teddy said. Welcome back to live Teddy but you need to be careful this time, otherwise, wayanes will burry you alive.