(EFJA/IFEX) – On 1 March 2002, the First Criminal Bench of the Federal High Court found EFJA President Kifle Mulat guilty of violating the Press Proclamation and fined him Birr 12,000 (approx. US$1,435). The Court ruled that Mulat is guilty of having “published material that disseminated fabricated information against the state and [of] spreading information […]
(EFJA/IFEX) – On 1 March 2002, the First Criminal Bench of the Federal High Court found EFJA President Kifle Mulat guilty of violating the Press Proclamation and fined him Birr 12,000 (approx. US$1,435). The Court ruled that Mulat is guilty of having “published material that disseminated fabricated information against the state and [of] spreading information that foments anger in public opinion”.
Mulat was released the same day after paying the Birr 12,000 fine.
Background Information
In 1998, Mulat was remanded in police custody upon an order issued by the Central Investigation Department on allegations that he had violated the Press Law. After having been imprisoned for seven months, three charges were filed against him and he was brought before the court. He was subsequently released on bail on all three charges and his case was adjourned.
The First Criminal Bench of the Federal High Court ruled that Mulat should not be held accountable for two of the three charges filed against him and closed the two files. In 2001, the court ruled that the case of the remaining charge should continue.
Recommended Action
Send appeals to authorities:
– expressing your deep concern over Mulat’s conviction and the fine he received
Appeals To
H.E. Ato Meles Zenawi
Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
C/o National Parliament
Fax: +251 1 552 020
E-mail: national.parliament@telecom.net.et
H.E. Ato Siyum Mesfin
Minister of Foreign Affairs
C/o National Parliament
Fax: +251 1 514 300
E-mail: national.parliament@telecom.net.et
H.E. Ato Harka Hariye
Minister of Justice
C/o National Parliament
Fax: +251 1 510 873
E-mail: national.parliament@telecom.net.et
H.E. Ato Bereket Simon
Minister of Information
C/o National Parliament
Fax: +251 1 550 722
E-mail: national.parliament@telecom.net.et
Please copy appeals to the source if possible.
