By Staff Writer
(Nairobi, Kenya) — A group of 30 high-profile political figures, journalists, academics, and former regional administration officials currently in state custody have formally rejected a conditional pardon offered by the Ethiopian government, declaring that they will not sign any document portraying their political stance or human rights advocacy as criminal.
The list of defendants, initially disclosed by local media outlet Addis Morning, details those who turned down the state’s clemency offer following exploratory discussions facilitated between the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and federal government authorities.
Internal documents outlining the proposed agreement required the 30 individuals to accept four primary conditions:
- Explicitly admit personal responsibility for the ongoing political and security crisis in the Amhara region.
- Accept guilt for casualties, physical injuries, and extensive infrastructure damage valued at billions of birr.
- Formally acknowledge that Ethiopia must operate under traditional Amhara values—and that political opposition to these values constitutes an illegal act.
- Agree that returning unlawfully seized properties in the region is legally binding and non-criminal.
Defendants Issue Defiant Rejection
In a joint response, the detainees firmly rejected the proposed terms, describing the conditions as legally and morally unacceptable.
“We will not sign any statement affirming that we are criminals, nor will we endorse anything that stands contrary to law, morality, or history,” the defendants stated in a collective response.
The detainees further defended their political stance, maintaining that self-defense and advocacy for public rights are constitutionally protected:
“We maintain that the grievances of the Amhara people are legitimate. The heritage and values of 60 million citizens cannot be categorized as a crime under any legal framework. We refuse to surrender our constitutionally and internationally protected rights to existence and self-defense.”
Complete List of Defendants Refusing the Pardon
The 30 individuals who declined the government’s conditional offer include prominent opposition figures, media professionals, and civic leaders:
- Ato Yohannes Bualew (Former Amhara Regional Council Member)
- Dr. Teodros H/Mariam
- Dr. Sisay Awegechew
- Dr. Wondwossen Assefa
- Dr. Meseret Kelemework
- Dr. Zerihun Bahiru
- Meskerem Abera (Journalist & Media Founder)
- Genet Asmamaw (Journalist)
- Dawit Begashaw (Journalist)
- Abay Zewdu (Journalist)
- Gobez Sisay (Journalist)
- Ato Alelign Mehret
- Ato Menber Alemu
- Ato Mike Melak
- Ato Asamnew Tadese
- Ato Desalegn Ejigu
- Ato Esubalew Belete
- Ato Eskinder Sheferaw
- Ato Mezale Cheru
- Eng. Ferdu Tefere
- Ato Chane Zeyede
- W/ro Halima Ahmed
- W/ro Hiwot Alemayehu
- Ato Sisay Melkamu
- Ato Tadese Wedayinew
- Ato Belay Sisay
- Ato Yared Girma
- Ato Marew Sileshi
- Ato Solomon Teferi
- Ato Muluken Tesfaye
The stance taken by the 30 defendants comes amid prolonged security instability and military operations across the Amhara region. Legal analysts note that requiring political detainees to accept predetermined guilt as a prerequisite for release risks deepening the political impasse between federal authorities and regional opposition groups.
The inclusion of several independent journalists and civil society commentators highlights ongoing concerns raised by human rights monitors regarding press freedom and political expression in Ethiopia.
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This story prompted me to do a research in court proceeding matters. I’m a layman when it comes to law. During my research I came across 2 scenarios. They are plea bargains and asking for clemency. In plea bargain it happens when the accused has the odds against him/her and about to be proven guilty beyond the benefit of a doubt that the death sentence is for sure coming. Then the suspect will make a deal with the prosecutors and pleads guilty to avoid the death sentence. In this case there would be no doubt he/she had committed the crime.
The other scenario I stumbled into is when the prisoner/convict begs for clemency asking for a pardon or lesser time in prison.
In this case, the trial is at its beginning phase and prosecutors have not called witnesses or proven the accused have committed the crimes they are charged with. So how can the prisoners plead guilty at this stage for lighter sentence? Also, what prison time they should ask for clemency? Like I said I am not a lawyer but I would like to see our well read men/women of law to shed some light on this one. We would appreciate it.
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