Accused Appeared Before Court, Appearance Gives Further Blow To Amnesty International Shattered Image.

IFTIN Exclusive

(Oct 25, 2006):-The Ethiopians who had been apprehended in relation to involvement to a serious crime, and while attempting to be smuggled out of the country via Moyale, have appeared before a local court here in Moyale town, as per the appointment given by the same court following the apprehension of the accused.. It is to be remembered the accused made the attempt using the assistance of two foreign employees of the EU Delegation in Addis Ababa who were later deported.

According to sources present at the court, contrary to the allegation made by Amnesty International and die hard Diaspora extremists, who apparently serve as a source to AI, the accused appeared to be well, healthy, and free in exercising their right to refuse as provided in the Ethiopian Constitution. As told by the Prosecutor of the case, and eventually by both the accused and lead police investigator, the suspects refused to give statements to the police that apprehended them and handled their case.

Besides, visible bruise that should have been observable, had the allegation of the AI & the die extremists been true, the accused confirmed to the presiding Judge that there had been no abuse, beating or mishandling in whatsoever way.

According to one European Diplomat who spoke on condition of anonymity, “what happened is a huge blow to AI and all those who relay in passing judgment on biased and partisan opponents of the government masquerading as informed sources.”  He further said that he observed is equally a living testimonial proving that torture is not only illegal as provided in the Ethiopian Constitution, but also unpracticed by the various law enforcement agencies.

Many observers in Ethiopia as well as other emerging democracies have for long doubted the credibility and usefulness of AI as a vanguard of human right and rule of law.