Ethiopia releases over 600 prisoners including opposition figures

Ethiopian authorities have released more than 600 federal prisoners, including several prominent opposition figures, as part of a move linked to the country’s ongoing National Dialogue process. The releases followed approximately five months of engagement between the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), government institutions, and other stakeholders.

Under the arrangement, individuals already convicted received formal pardons, while those with pending court cases had their charges conditionally dropped. High-profile releases include Christian Tadele, a federal MP for the National Movement of Amhara (NaMA), Dr. Chane Kebede, former chairman of the Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (EZEMA), and Dr. Kassa Teshager, a member of the Addis Ababa City Council.

However, the clemency process has faced limitations. Reports indicate that approximately 28 individuals linked to Christian Tadele’s case file, including certain journalists and politicians associated with the Amhara conflict, remain in custody. These individuals reportedly declined to sign government pardon paperwork that would require them to accept responsibility for regional instability.