Ethiopia delays appeal of jailed blogger, opposition figure

Monday, April 08, 2013, 15:16 

 Addis Ababa: An Ethiopian court on Monday delayed again the appeal of blogger Eskinder Nega and opposition leader Andualem Arage, who were jailed last year for terror-related offences.

Eskinder and Andualem were among 24 people jailed in July 2012 on terror-related charges.

"The judges have requested further time to assess all the evidence and statements to make their decision," said Andualem's lawyer Debribew Temesgen.

Both men, who were present in court, are accused of having links to the outlawed opposition group Ginbot 7.

The ruling has been repeatedly delayed, with the next hearing due on May 02.

Eskinder was jailed for 18 years, while Andualem was sentenced to life.

Rights groups have called Ethiopia's anti-terrorism legislation vague and accuse the government of using the law to stifle peaceful dissent.

AFP