Ethiopian opposition leader Jawar Mohammed ‘proud’ to be accused of terrorism – Africa – World

Jawar Mohammed, a former media mogul and member of the opposition Oromo Federalist Congress, is one of 24 suspects recently charged with terrorism and other violence-related crimes that killed as many as 239 in June and July.

The attorney general’s office disclosed the charges in a Facebook post over the weekend without informing the suspects or their lawyers.

On Monday, Jawar and 17 other suspects appeared in court, where they were presented with documents detailing the charges, according to Jawar’s lawyer, Tuli Bayyisa.

Although they did not present formal arguments, Jawar delivered a scathing statement challenging the integrity of the court.

“The reason they detained me is only because we have defied the government. The government understood that they cannot compete with the opposition parties,” Jawar said, according to Tuli.

“I am really very proud to be charged under the anti-terrorism law because the government knows it, the public knows it, and I myself know one hundred percent that I am not a terrorist. I have never committed any kind of crime.”

Feelings of marginalization

The charges, which could lead to life in prison, relate to violence that erupted after the June shooting death of Hachalu Hundessa, a popular Oromo singer who gave voice to Oromo sentiments of political and economic marginalization.

Jawar is among more than 9,000 people caught in subsequent mass arrests that have fueled criticism that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is using the riots to silence opponents and political critics.

Abiy, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize last year, is Ethiopia’s first Oromo leader, but faces intense criticism from Oromo nationalists like Jawar, who accuse him of being a poor defender of their interests and behaving like a dictator.

Putting Jawar on trial risks fueling violence in Addis Ababa and the surrounding Oromia region.

“Unless prosecutors provide convincing evidence that Oromo opposition leaders are guilty of these serious charges, then if convicted, there will be a widespread public perception, especially in Oromia, that the Ethiopian government is participating once again. in politicized trials “. said William Davison, a senior analyst at International Crisis Group.

This could undermine the national elections expected next year and seen as a potential milestone in Ethiopia’s democratic transition, Davison added.

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