In its 32nd regular session today, Ethiopian parliament has passed a proposed amnesty bill into law. The bill, which is now a law, was presented to the parliament for consideration by the Law, Justice and Administrative Affairs Standing Committee.
The law establishes board members drawn from five federal ministries and two individuals to be assigned by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The federal ministries included in the board are: Federal Attorney Genera (chair), Ministry of women and Children Affairs, Federal Police Commission, Federal Supreme Court, Federal Prison Administration as well as two individuals to be assigned by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The board will be accountable to the Prime Minister’s office.
The Amnesty law will pave ways for legal amnesty provisions for individuals facing criminal and/or terrorism charges or are convicted of alleged offenses such as outrage against the constitution and terrorism.
Subsequently if implemented, the amnesty law is expected to remove the Ogaden National Liberation Front, Ginbot 7 and the Oromo Liberation Front from the terror list. This comes as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is engaged in reforms throughout the country but time will tell if these reforms hold up.
We will keep you updated with the latest developments and updates from the region.
Halgan Media.
