High Court sentences 23 individuals for planning terror attacks after making contact with al-Qaeda, al-Shabaab

Addis Ababa, May 17, 2017 (FBC) – The Federal High Court today sentenced 23 individuals for up to 15 years in prison for planning to carry out terror attacks in Ethiopia after making contact with the Islamist groups, al-Qaeda and al-Shabaab.

The individuals, including first, second, and third defendants Esmael Bekele, Sultan Ahmed and Ansu Abdu, respectively, were found guilty of planning to establish state of Islam as well as crime of robberies and killing.

According to persecutor’s charges, the defendants had been active between 2010 and 20014 at Weliso, Welkite, Jimma, Dese, Kemise, Addis Ababa and in various parts of the country to establish State of Islam under the pretext of religion.

Moreover, after making contact with the terror groups al-Qaeda and al-Shabaab, the first defendants in particular recruited and sent individuals to Somalia to enable them acquire training there, it said.

The charge sheet further indicated that the defendants also robbed passengers as well as stolen and killed a Chinese national named Mr Hong Guwan at Jima town, Oromia regional state, on December 22, 2013.

The Federal High Court 4th criminal bench sentenced the 23 individuals to prison terms ranging from 3- 15 years.