Defense Attorney Solomon Gezahegn Urges Lideta Bench to Grant Release, Arguing Investigators Have Compiled Sufficient Forensic Data and Flight Risk Can Be Mitigated
By Staff Writer
(Nairobi, Kenya) — The Federal High Court is set to deliver its ruling on Friday, September 4, 2026, regarding the bail applications of Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP) figures and their legal representative held on terrorism-related allegations, alongside a state request for a 14-day extension to complete police investigations.
Defense attorney Solomon Gezahegn confirmed to Addis Maleda that the Lideta Bench heard final arguments regarding the continued detention of EPRP Public Relations Head Yisaq Wolday, party member Abebe Akalu, and defense attorney Abera Negus, following the expiration of a previous remand order.
During court proceedings, federal investigators petitioned the bench for an additional 14 days to finalize technical and forensic examinations, collect electronic evidence, and record depositions from outstanding witnesses. State prosecutors argued against granting conditional release, alleging that the suspects pose a significant flight risk and could interfere with key witnesses if released.
In response, defense attorney Solomon Gezahegn urged the court to deny the extension and grant bail, asserting that state investigators have already compiled sufficient technical and forensic data over previous remand periods.
Addressing the state’s flight risk claims, defense counsel pointed out that suspect Abebe Akalu does not possess a passport. Counsel added that for the remaining suspects, standard border monitoring notifications to the Immigration and Citizenship Service would fully address any travel concerns, rendering further pre-trial detention unnecessary.
After reviewing submissions from both sides, the presiding judge adjourned the session to rule on whether to grant police the 14-day remand extension or approve the defense’s application for bail.
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