Court found Siye guilty on one count

(Aigaforum June 29, 2007)-After facing a long and exhausting process Siye Abraha and his brothers have finally met the missing judges and were sentenced today.

According to our sources Siye was found guilty in one case and not guilty in three other cases. Sources told us Siye was found guilty for lobbying using his government and party position at the time, the AMCE car company, to charge his brothers trading company (MEFAM) at the same price it does with Trans Ethiopia. The prosecutor convinced the judges this was illegal and has caused the State to lose tax revenue and Siye used his government and party power to coerced AMCE. The Judge ordered the prosecutor to enter recommendation of what the penalty should be on the next court date June 27, 1999(EC). Siye was found not guilty on all other charges related to illegal bank loans.

In the case of Tamrat Layne the court found Tamrat guilty for his involvement in the case of the illegal transaction between AMCE and Siye brothers trading company MEFAM. The prosecutor was also ordered to enter recommendation for penalty on the next court date June 27, 1999(EC).

In the case of Asefa Abraha, the court has found him guilty earlier related to the Gulele Soap factory and Nazert flour factory and will pass its penalty decision on June 27, 1999(EC). Assefa was found not guilty in relation to Taitu and BGI beer factory and other cases related to bank loan.  

In the case of Meherteab Abraha, the court found him guilty for buying five trucks from AMCE after Siye’s involvement depriving the State tax revenue. Meherteab was found not guilty related to illegal bank loan and others. The court ordered the prosecutor to enter its recommendation on the penalty for June 27, 1999(EC).

On June 27, 1999 (EC)the court will pass its penalty judgment for Ato Assefa Abraha and hear penalty recommendation for Ato Tamrat, Siye and Mehretab. The delay in this case has definitely tarnished the court but like they say it is better late than never!