35 politicians get life in prison

A court sentenced 35 opposition politicians and activists to life in prison, and denied them the right to vote or seek office, for inciting violence in an attempt to overthrow the government.

The prosecution had called for death sentences against the defendants, who included Ethiopia’s top opposition leaders and five people convicted in absentia. An additional eight defendants facing similar charges were sentenced to between 18 months and 18 years in prison, said Judge Adil Ahmed, reading the sentences on behalf of the three-judge panel.