63 prisoners set free in Ethiopia ahead of elections

At least 63 prisoners have regained freedom after they were released by the Ethiopian government amid pressure by ethnic-based groups ahead of elections this year.

According to reports, the suspects were involved in high profile corruption, misdemeanour or rights violations, among other counts.

The attorney general's spokesman, Zinabu Tunu, revealed that the government dropped the charges against the suspects not because they did not commit crimes, but to foster efforts toward bringing about national consensus.

Those released are among the 1,682 people arrested for various crimes since the coming to power in April 2018 of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who reformed the economy, military, security and other areas of life in the country.

The spokesman said cases were filed against more than 3,600 people and many remain at large.

This includes Getachew Assefa, a ghost-like figure who led the national intelligence service for decades during the 28-year rule by the now-dissolved Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front -- a four-party coalition led by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. This era was marked by severe human rights violations and high profile corruption.

One of the suspects whose case has been dropped is the famous entrepreneur and founding member of Zemen Bank, Edmias Amelga, who was suspected of business-related crimes.

Edmias had also been engaged in a large housing scheme that went bankrupt, causing panic among those who paid down payments.

Anadolu Agency