Ethiopia has released hundreds of prisoners and dropped charges against others in recent weeks. Following the decision of the Executive Committee of EPRDF, the government of Ethiopia has been dropping charges and pardoning individuals imprisoned for inciting violence, terrorism and religious extremism.
Additional suspects whose charges were dropped or were granted pardon were released from prison on 14 February, including Eskinder Nega, Andualem Arage and former chief administrator of Gambella Regional State, Okelo Aquay, Ustaz Ahmedin Jebel, Kalid Ibrahim, Ahmed Mustefa and Mohammed Abate. Seven suspects, including Bekele Gerba, were also freed on 13 February.
Prosecutors in Ethiopia also dropped charges against two bloggers on 14 February and announced they would abandon the prosecution of a third amid a wave of prisoner releases. Six Zone 9 bloggers were arrested in April 2014. Two were released in July of the following year, while the remaining four were charged with terrorism.
