Top UN official calls Ethiopia's human rights record troubling

04/26/2006
Opposition parties made strong gains, but say the vote and counting were marred by fraud, intimidation and violence.

A top UN official on Wednesday called Ethiopia's human rights record troubling particularly after last year's election riots in which security forces killed 88 protesters.

Louise Arbour, the UN high commissioner for human rights, also said it was "not normal" for more than 100 people detained during that period to remain in custody without bail.

"The constitution of Ethiopia guarantees the right to bail and provides that courts may deny bail in exceptional circumstances," Arbour said.

"I read that to suggest that every person should have the right to appear before
a court and only the court may deny bail."

Political unrest in Ethiopia began in June 2005 following disputed elections that returned the governing party to power. Opposition parties made strong gains, but say the vote and counting were marred by fraud, intimidation and violence.

Prime Minister Meles Zenawi ordered the arrest of most senior opposition leaders and the editors of several independent newspapers. They have been charged with treason and attempted genocide, a move that has sparked international criticism.

Arbour said Ethiopian law regarding genocide was "considerably broader" than international standards, and she urged the government revisit the law.

The state's case against the accused is set to begin May 2. If convicted, they would face death or life in prison.

The government's parliamentary body formed an inquiry commission to investigate the riots, but critics note the panel has no consent to look into who authorised security forces to fire on protesters.

Arbour is on a weeklong visit to Ethiopia to assess how to best deal with the country's human rights record. She visits Kenya next to discuss Somalia.