Ethiopia treason trial judge frees 25 journalists

By Tsegaye Tadesse

ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - An Ethiopian judge freed 25 journalists on Monday charged in a treason trial involving more than 100 opposition figures that has drawn international criticism as being politically motivated.

"The prosecution has not proved the charges leveled against the 25 journalists," presiding Judge Adil Ahmed told the court, before ordering prison authorities to free them immediately. The journalists could not immediately be reached for comment.

Lead prosecutor Shimeles Kemal told Reuters he had some reservations about the ruling and "may consider an appeal on certain issues."

The judge also ordered the leaders of the main opposition party, the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, to give their defense against the prosecution's case against them. They have so far refused to cooperate with a case they say is political.

In a case that has outraged human rights groups, opposition leaders, journalists and civil society activists were charged in December 2005 with treason, inciting violence and attempting to commit genocide.

The charges followed two separate outbreaks of violence in which at least 80 people were killed in clashes between protesters and security forces over 2005 general election results, which the opposition says were rigged.

The judge dropped the genocide and treason charges last week, saying the prosecution had failed to prove its case.

One of those whose release was ordered last week, Addis Ababa Teacher's Association head Kasahun Kabede was the first prisoner freed on Monday.