FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Verdict in trial of Ethiopian activists expected

WHAT? Verdict in trial of Ethiopian activists expected WHERE? Addis Ababa, Ethiopia WHEN? Thursday, November 22nd, 2007

2007-11-16

Anti-poverty activists Daniel Bekele and Netsanet Demissie will finally hear the verdict in their lengthy trail when judges in Ethiopia's Federal High Court hand down their decision next Thursday, November 22nd.

Both now recognised by Amnesty International as prisoners of conscience, Daniel and Netsanet were due to hear the verdict in October but it was again delayed.  They face charges of conspiracy to overthrow the government, specifically, “outrage against the constitution and constitutional order.” As coordinators of the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) in Ethiopia, they are the last two accused in the high profile Ethiopian treason trial that originally charged 131 politicians, journalists, organisations and civil society leader.  They  have spent over 2 years in prison while they await a verdict.

“Both are dedicated GCAP campaigners. They spoke out against injustice in their country, so we are standing by them in solidarity and hope for a favourable outcome after the long wait for justice.” said Kumi Naidoo, Chair of GCAP who will be in Addis to support the men in court on Thursday.

Aside from their work with GCAP, Daniel is also head of the policy department at ActionAid International Ethiopia. Netsanet is also the founder of local human rights group Organisation for Social Justice in Ethiopia. Both Daniel and Netsanet assisted in monitoring the May 2005 election, peaceful and legitimate civil society work for which they now stand trial.

ENDS

For more information or interviews, please contact:
Ciara O’Sullivan, GCAP Media Coordinator at +34 679 594 809, ciara_os@hotmail.com

###