THREAD

Use of lethal force, internet shutdown, opposition leaders arrested

Those govt methods to combat Oromia protests - which involved murders of local minorities and destruction of property - have more in common with Ethiopia’s past than promised democratic future

1/4

With re. to arrests, govt line is same as ever:

Politicians (and journalists) are not above law, and they will have their day in court

But in past that ‘day in court’ was characterised by sloppy charges, inefficient procedure, weak evidence, and hence unconvincing verdicts

2/

If govt wants to display its reformist nature, these high-profile trials are a good opportunity to do so

So far – and it’s very early days - authorities said only govt and pro-govt media could attend Bekele et al’s hearing

That means regression from EPRDF-era show trials.

3/

Instead govt should do whatever it can to maximise transparency of politically important cases to try and build public confidence in criminal justice system - and demonstrate with actions not words that it’s taking Ethiopia down democratising path

END