|
| Eskinder Nega |
A dissident Ethiopian journalist on trial for terrorism has
categorically denied the charges and warned the court that history would
judge its verdict.
A three-judge panel listened Wednesday as journalist Eskinder Nega
described himself as a prisoner of conscience and rejected accusations
that he had conspired to overthrow the government through violence. Eskinder is one of 24 defendants, including opposition politicians and
several exiled journalists, charged with supporting Ginbot Seven, a
political party the government has labelled a terrorist group. Lawyers
say they could face the death penalty if convicted.
In a 20-minute presentation, Eskinder challenged the prosecution's case.
He admitted writing and speaking about whether an Arab Spring-like
movement might take root in Ethiopia, and calling for peaceful protests,
but denied advocating violence or unconstitutional change.
Prominent opposition politician and co-defendant Andualem Aragie told
the court earlier in the week that the government case was based on
lies. The chief defense witness, former Ethiopian president Negasso
Gidada, testified that the defendants had been working within the law in
advocating for political change.
The prosecution had earlier presented scratchy, nearly inaudible
recordings of telephone conversations and other comments as evidence
that the defendants were plotting terrorist acts. Human rights and press freedom groups have criticized Ethiopia's
anti-terrorism law, saying it violates the country's constitution and
inhibits political freedom.
Shortly before his arrest, Eskinder had written an online column blasting the law as an attempt to stifle dissent. His wife Serkalem Fasil, who was jailed with him after the disputed 2005 elections, told VOA Wednesday Eskinder had been pleased with his defense but discouraged at having to battle against being labelled a terrorist. She says Eskinder is angry at being accused of being a member of the Ginbot Seven party. She said, “He's a journalist, not a member of a political party.” Eskinder and Andualem were among 130 journalists and opposition political activists convicted of treason and sentenced to life in prison following the 2005 elections. They were later pardoned. They were re-arrested along with six others last September, soon after the 2009 anti-terrorism law became operational. Another 18 defendants identified as supporters of the Ginbot Seven party were charged in absentia. Most of them are political exiles in the United States.
Shortly before his arrest, Eskinder had written an online column blasting the law as an attempt to stifle dissent. His wife Serkalem Fasil, who was jailed with him after the disputed 2005 elections, told VOA Wednesday Eskinder had been pleased with his defense but discouraged at having to battle against being labelled a terrorist. She says Eskinder is angry at being accused of being a member of the Ginbot Seven party. She said, “He's a journalist, not a member of a political party.” Eskinder and Andualem were among 130 journalists and opposition political activists convicted of treason and sentenced to life in prison following the 2005 elections. They were later pardoned. They were re-arrested along with six others last September, soon after the 2009 anti-terrorism law became operational. Another 18 defendants identified as supporters of the Ginbot Seven party were charged in absentia. Most of them are political exiles in the United States.
