Getahun Tsegaye
Staff Reporter
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The House of People’s Representatives has passed a controversial proclamation granting conditional immunity to investigators engaged in probing money laundering and terrorism financing activities. The new law shields investigators from criminal liability for actions committed during their duties—except in cases of murder—if such actions occurred beyond their control or without their consent.
The legislation, officially titled the Proclamation on the Prevention and Control of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing, aims to enhance Ethiopia’s capacity to combat financial crimes and terrorism, particularly through expanded undercover operations.
Central to the controversy is Article 5/15 of the proclamation. It stipulates that investigators involved in covert operations will not face criminal prosecution for offenses committed while performing their duties, so long as those acts were involuntary or unavoidable—excluding murder.
While some lawmakers supported the provision as necessary to fight terrorism in a volatile regional context, others expressed serious concerns about its implications for legal accountability and human rights.
Dr. Alemu Gonfa, Member of Parliament (MP), acknowledged the need for strong investigative tools in the fight against terrorism but cautioned against unchecked powers. “It states that a person will not be held accountable for any crime committed while on duty, except murder. A crime is still a crime, and I don’t think it’s right for one to go unpunished,” he said. He emphasized the importance of specifying which acts are exempt rather than granting blanket immunity.
Several MPs voiced alarm that the law could be used to suppress opposition voices, limit press freedom, and undermine civil liberties.
MP Muluken Assefa warned that the law restricts the rights of journalists, business owners, opposition parties, and human rights activists. He also objected to a clause that allows retroactive application of the law for offenses committed within the past ten years. “A law should take effect from the date it is enacted,” he said, suggesting the retroactivity could be politically motivated.
MP Dr. Desalegn Chane echoed these concerns, arguing the law appears aimed at critics of the government rather than real criminal actors. “If an investigator negotiates and receives millions of birr from a criminal, are they exempt? What about torture or human rights violations?” he asked, stressing the need to align with international human rights standards Ethiopia has ratified.
Dr. Desalegn also criticized a provision giving the Financial Intelligence Service authority to freeze suspicious transactions for up to seven days without a court order, calling it an “astonishing overreach.”
Supporters of the law reject claims that it targets dissent. MP Zekarias dismissed concerns about press suppression. MP Sadiq Adem acknowledged the law’s tough provisions but argued they are justified given the country’s security environment. “No right is absolute, even the right to life, especially when national security is at stake,” he said.
Sadiq added that individuals who meet the criteria outlined in the law should have no reason to fear its enforcement. “This law responds to real threats—not imagined ones,” he stated, referring to the prevalence of terrorism in Ethiopia. “We know groups and individuals who pose a threat. Why should we hesitate to address that?”
Ato Issa Boro, Deputy Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Legal and Justice Affairs, also clarified that investigations conducted under this law are of a “special nature” and not intended to target specific individuals or communities.
After extensive deliberation, the House approved the proclamation with a majority vote. Three MPs voted against the bill, while one abstained.
Source : Sheger FM
Subscribe : https://borkena.com/subscribe-borkena/
Join our Telegram Channel : t.me/borkena
Like borkena on Facebook
Add your business to Ethiopian Business Listing / Ethiopian Business Directory Business Listing Toronto
Join the conversation. Follow us on X (Formerly Twitter) @zborkena to get the latest Ethiopian News updates regularly. Subscribe to YouTube channel To share information or for submission, send e-mail to info@borkena.com