ETHIOPIA:An Ethiopian judge yesterday freed 25 journalists charged in a treason trial involving more than 100 opposition figures which has drawn international criticism for being politically-motivated.
"The prosecution has not proved the charges levelled against the 25 journalists," presiding judge Adil Ahmed told the court before ordering the prison authorities to free them immediately.
The journalists could not be reached for comment.
The chief prosecutor, Shimeles Kemal, said that he had some reservations about the ruling and might "consider an appeal on certain issues".
The judge also ordered the leaders of the main opposition party, the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, to present their defence against the prosecution's case against them. They have so far refused to co-operate with the court.
In a trial which outraged human rights groups, opposition leaders, journalists and activists were charged in December 2005 with treason, inciting violence and attempting to commit genocide. The judge dropped the genocide and treason charges last week, saying that the prosecution had failed to prove its case.
The charges followed two separate outbreaks of violence in which at least 80 people were killed in clashes between protesters and security forces over the 2005 general election results, which the opposition says was rigged.
The crackdown tarnished prime minister Meles Zenawi's democratic credentials and prompted donors, including Britain and the European Union, to halt direct budgetary aid to sub-Saharan Africa's second most populous nation.
Of 131 people first charged, 45 have now been acquitted, and 36 are being tried in absentia. Under Ethiopian law, convicted defendants could face the death penalty if genocide is proven.