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Addis Ababa – Ethiopia has brought terrorism charges against 24 people, including Jawar Mohammed, a prominent Oromo opposition figure known for his outspoken and strong criticism of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
This was announced on Saturday by the attorney general’s office in a post on its official Facebook page.
In addition to terrorism charges, all 24 are charged with telecommunications fraud, incitement to ethnic clashes and other criminal activities related to a deadly unrest that rocked the capital Addis Ababa and parts of the Oromia region in July.
They will also be accused of trying to violently overthrow the government.
The week-long violence that erupted on July 1 following the murder of popular Oromo musician Hachalu Hundessa has resulted in the deaths of some 200 people, including several police officers.
According to the statement from the prosecution, the 24 will appear in court on Monday.
No knowledge of charges
One of Mohammed’s lawyers, Abduletif Amee, said he was unaware of the charges announced Saturday until Nation contacted him to react.
“No specific charges have been brought against Mr. Mohammed so far. The time given for the public prosecutor to file the charges expired on September 18, 2020,” he said.
Abduletif also said that Mohammed’s team of lawyers is prepared to face federal court on Monday to bail him out.
The Oromo are the largest ethnic group in the country, comprising more than 35% of Ethiopia’s 110 million people.
Mohammed is known for helping the current Ethiopian prime minister come to power in 2018. But the two have turned out to be bitter enemies.
