Addis Ababa – The Federal Supreme Court Cassation Bench has granted bail to Taye Dendea, former State Minister of Peace, during its session on 2 December 2024. This development was confirmed by his wife.
Taye has been in detention since December 2023 on accusations of violating provisions of Article 251/C and Article 257/G of Ethiopia’s 2004 Criminal Law. Prosecutors alleged that, during his tenure as State Minister of Peace, he disseminated “propaganda supporting anti-peace forces” through social media posts and interviews. Additionally, he was charged under the Firearms Act for allegedly possessing unauthorized weapons, reportedly discovered at his former residence in Lideta Sub-city, Woreda 6.
On 6 August 2024, the Federal High Court Lideta Branch acquitted Taye of the charges related to his social media activity, deeming them protected under his constitutional right to freedom of expression. However, the court found sufficient grounds to proceed with the firearm possession charge and instructed him to prepare a defense.
Earlier requests for bail were denied by both the Federal High Court and the Supreme Court, with the latter citing the severity of the charges, which carry a potential sentence of 8 to 25 years, and concerns that Taye might evade future court proceedings.
The recent decision by the Cassation Bench to grant bail marks a significant turn in Taye’s case as his legal battle continues.
Source: Addis Standard
