Prime Minister Meles Zenaw takes drastic measures against critics (acts drastically against critics)

Numerous politicians accused of treason. After demonstrations against the disputed parliamentary elections of Mai 2005 numerous opposition politicians are held accountable in a special tribunal.

With the presentation of the parole on the 19 of February the trial goes into its final stage. In case of conviction the accused could face the death penalty.

After the May Election, accusations surfaced that the government of Melees Zenawi could have rigged the outcome of the Election. The man in power called for a state of emergency and has brutally put down the protest (as covered by derStandard.at).

Up to 200 People have been killed by the police and military actions. The number of people apprehended is not clear. Mid November 2005 the Ethiopian government announced that it had released 9000 supporters of the opposition.

The possibility of death penalty

All 15 Members of the Central Committee of the opposition party Coalition for Unity and Democracy the elected mayor of Addis Abeba Brehanu Nega and numerous human rights activists have been imprisoned and charged for having committed numerous offences. The trial against the all in all 131 opponents of the regime, who have been indicted shall resume on the 19 February after a trial break. The accusation ranges from insurrection treason and inciting genocide. These charges could end up with a death penalty. International human rights organizations condemn the trial as an offence against freedom of speech (freedom of opinion) and freedom of the press.

Judge publicized inquiry report

A Commission was appointed by the government of Meles Zenawi to throw light on the events of June and November 2005. As the commission presented its findings in July 2006 the government decided not to publicize the explosive document and ordered to produce a water downed version were the brutal crackdown (action) of the security forces was justified with "to prevent violence and protect the constitution" However chairmen of the inquiry commission judge Woldemichael defected and asked for political asylum in Europe.

In October he came forward to the press with grave allegations." It was a Massacre" Woldemichael pointed out "there is no doubt that excessive force was used". At least 193 people have been killed by the action of the security forces, among them 40 youths. Unarmed demonstrators have been shot, beaten to death and strangled.

Further six policemen have been killed and at least 738 people have been insured.

Several Members of the Commission blamed the judge having presented the findings out of context. According to official statement of the government 68 people have been killed at the demonstrations.

Ana Gomez the head of the European Observer mission of the May 15 election said that the report shows that Ethiopia contrary to its own affirmation is not developing towards democracy.

According to Journalist Organization "Reporters without Borders" Ethiopia is the largest jail for journalists in Africa, with 21 journalists behind bars.

In past years Ethiopia was seen as a centre of stability in east Africa and an important partner of the USA in the anti - terror war. The Ethiopian army is one of the best equipped military forces in Africa as could be seen by the invasion of neighboring Somalia end of last year. The country is largely dependent on international aid. One fourth of its budget is financed by donor countries.

A rally in support of the imprisoned opposition has been announced for the 15 February 14:00 (2pm) in front of the Parliament.

(Picture)(The whole leadership of CUD stand trial in Addis Abeba. Professor Mesfin the former head of the Ethiopian human rights commission, former judge Birtukan Mideksa and Brehanu Nega the elected mayor of Addis Abeba)