Update on Court proceeding in regard to Ato Daniel Bekele and Netsanet Demissie

(Aigaforum July 27, 2007):-The two actionaid workers who chose to defend themselves against the charges brought against them by prosecutors were present in court today. The court was packed and among others who came to the court was former convicted but pardon cud leaders..

The court after hearing arguments from witness Ato Daniel and Ato Nesanet on their own behalf set a date for more witness to appear for next week. To the surprise of many, Engineer Hailu, Dr Hailu Araya, Gezachew Shiferaw, Prof Yacob, Birtukan Demeksa and Tamrat Tarkegn were sworn to be defense witness to appear for next week.

 It is to be recalled these gentle men and women were steadfastly refusing the authority of the court until they decided to ask for clemency after the court found them guilty.

Observers said it is good for the country and the people these leaders recognize the importance of the clemency process and recognize the court as the supreme protector of the constitution. It is expected the witness will testify to support Ato Daniel and Ato Nesanet fully recognizing the court authority. This was one of the tenets of the clemency request they promise to uphold.