ETHIOPIA PARDONS HUNDREDS SENTENCED ON 'TERRORISM' CHARGES

June 15, 2018:

The government of Ethiopia has said it will release more than 304 prisoners, including 289 convicted on "terrorism" charges, according to state media.
The move is part of a raft of reforms pledged by authorities after violent unrest broke out three years ago, sparked by an urban development plan for the capital, Addis Ababa, that critics said would trigger land seizures in the surrounding Oromia region.
The demonstrations quickly spread to other parts of the country, with protesters demanding wider political freedom and equality, as well as an end to human rights abuses.
Those pardoned on June 15 include three Kenyans, who were released following an agreement between the two countries to strengthen bilateral relations, according to a statement sent to state-affiliated Fana by Ethiopia's attorney general and nine death row inmates.
More than 1,000 prisoners have been released or slated for release since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed came to power in April.