(03 August 2015, SOCEPP): The regime’s federal high court has sentenced members of Ethiopian Muslim Arbitration Committee members, one journalist and thirteen others to a lengthy jail term between seven and 22 years. The eighteen Muslims were falsely charged on counts that include attempted terrorism, conspiracy to establish an Islamic state, and public incitement.

” The court passed a guilty verdict on all of the on July 6th and adjourned the sentencing until Aug. 3rd. Accordingly the first defendants, Abubakar Ahmed, Ahmedin Jebel, Yasin Nuru and Kemal Shmsu were sentenced to 22 years each. Accordingly, defendants Bedru Hussien, Sabir Yirgu, Mohammed Abate, Abubeker Alemu and Munir Hussien were each jailed for 18 years. The court also sentenced Sheik Mekete Muhe, Ahmed Mustefa Sheik Seid Ali, Mubarak Adem and Khalid Ibrahim were jailed for 15 years each; while defendants Murad Shikur, Nuru Turki, Sheik Bahiru Omar and Yusuf Getachew were jailed for less terms of seven years each.” The arbitration committee members had the intention of narrowing the gap between the regime and Muslims who had been staging sit ins and protests all over Ethiopia calling for the respect of their religious rights and institutions. The regime is blamed for closing an important school, introducing an unwanted sect from Lebanon, arresting and torturing peaceful protesters and more. The regime had presented false evidence trying to link the protesters to jihadists.

The harsh sentencing of the eighteen peaceful Muslim arbitration committee members should be condemned as a travesty of justice. Calls should also be made for the release of hundreds of Muslim protesters jailed in Kaliti, Kilinto and other prisons that hold thousands of other political prisoners.

INJUSTICE ANYWHERE IS INJUSTICE EVERYWHERE
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