The newly set up Law and Justice Advisory Council has begun consultation to amend the anti-terrorism and civil society organizations (CSOs) laws of Ethiopia. The Anti-Terrorism Law has been criticized for restricting democratic space in the country.
Attorney General Berhanu Tsegaye told journalists that “there is a shortcoming in realizing properly a justice system which meets the needs of the people.”
Thus, the government has begun to reform the system by establishing an Advisory Council, he added.
He added the Council is tasked to provide policy recommendations to the government for the amendment of laws and reform of the justice system.
Chairperson of the Council, Professor Tilahun Teshome, for his part stressed the need to amend the justice system and ensure rule of law to maintain peace and development in the country.
Legal professionals, representatives of civic societies and political parties, as well as academicians attended the discussion on the proposal that the Justice and Legal Affairs Advisory Council has presented.
The participants thoroughly discussed issues included in the proposal including the definition of the concept of terrorism, implementation of the law, basic principles of criminal law and global standards.
It was indicated that a gap was observed in the definition of concepts as well as implementation. The Advisory Council recommended for the revision of the law in order to improve the justice system and strengthen democracy.
