Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to those who have been detained in Ethiopia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4329/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I presume the Deputy's question refers to the two trials currently under way of Ethiopian opposition politicians, journalists and civil society activists who were detained in early November 2005, after post election tensions resulted in violent demonstrations in June and November 2005 in which 193 civilians and six members of the security forces were killed and 834 people were injured.

On 23 February 2006, the trial began of 129 people, including leaders of the opposition Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) party, journalists and civil society activists. Several of the CUD members on trial were elected to public office in May 2005. The Ethiopian authorities claim that the group was responsible for launching and organising the June and November 2005 riots, as part of an agenda to overthrow the Government by force. They were charged as a group with outrage against the Ethiopian constitution and the constitutional order; obstructing the Government and the National Electoral Board in the exercise of their powers; inciting, organising and leading armed rebellion against the Government; impairment of the defensive power of the State; high treason; and genocide. Although the Ethiopian penal code provides that the death sentence may be imposed in cases of treason and genocide, a moratorium on executions has been in operation since 1998 and is expected to continue. On 22 March 2006, all charges were withdrawn against 18 of the detainees, including 9 being tried in absentia, and the prosecutor was instructed by the court to amend the genocide charge to "attempted genocide."

All 76 detainees currently before the court have been denied bail. The three civil society representatives have appointed lawyers and are defending themselves actively. The remainder have refused to appoint lawyers or to defend themselves, stating that they do not recognise the court and that they have been convicted in advance. "Not guilty" pleas have been entered on their behalf. However, some of these detainees have intervened occasionally during the trial. The prosecution concluded the presentation of its evidence [both videos and witnesses] on 29 November 2006 and the case was adjourned until 19 February 2007. This lengthy adjournment was necessary to allow the judges time to assess the admissibility of many hundreds of extra pages of evidence, which the prosecution had. All 76 detainees currently before the court have been denied bail. The three civil society representatives have appointed lawyers and are defending themselves actively. The remainder have refused to appoint lawyers or to defend themselves, stating that they do not recognise the court and that they have been convicted in advance. "Not guilty" pleas have been entered on their behalf. However, some of these detainees have intervened occasionally during the trial. The prosecution concluded the presentation of its evidence [both videos and witnesses] on 29 November 2006 and the case was adjourned until 19 February 2007. This lengthy adjournment was necessary to allow the judges time to assess the admissibility of many hundreds of extra pages of evidence, which the prosecution had submitted during the summer. It is currently unclear whether the judges will return with a verdict on 19 February or to hear further arguments — Ethiopian law allows for both possibilities.

In the second case, 33 people — including two members of the CUD's Central Committee — are charged with outrages against the constitutional order, inciting political violence and/or attempted genocide. While bail has been refused, these detainees are legally represented. I understand that hearings in this case resumed on 29 December 2006.

The Ethiopian authorities agreed to an EU request for international observation of the first trial and a distinguished international lawyer, Mr Roger Briottet, is observing it on behalf of the EU. He will endeavour to monitor the second case also. Ireland will fund this observer for three months during 2007. EU Embassies in Addis Ababa, including the Embassy of Ireland, are following developments.

I visited Addis Abba in July 2006 and met with the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, opposition parliamentarians and some detained members of the CUD leadership. In these meetings, I emphasised the importance of the trials being conducted in a just, transparent and speedy manner in accordance with international standards and urged that all sides make every effort to ensure that the eventual outcome does not exacerbate the situation in Ethiopia. I was encouraged by the general acceptance by both Government and opposition of the importance of political dialogue and of working to strengthen democracy and promote reconciliation within Ethiopia. I would add that I very much hope that current efforts to reflect Ethiopia's tradition of clemency in these cases will be successful.