Zegabi

Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn says his government has proof that some opposition leaders who organized anti-government protests last month are linked to terrorist groups operating in the country.

This statement comes only a week after a leading opposition group – Unity for Democratic Justice (UDJ) – protested against the country’s anti-terrorism law which was adopted in 2009. This was the second anti-government protest in the month of September. A week earlier, members of the Blue Party had demonstrated in the streets of Addis Ababa demanding changes in the government’s political, social and economic policies.

The opposition claimed the government was using the controversial law to target journalists and political leaders. In mid 2011, three political parties were classified as terrorist groups under the country’s anti-terrorism legislation. The three — Ginbot 7, the Ogaden National Liberation Front, and Oromo Liberation Front — were also accused of planning attacks against the African Union.

Desalegn has denied the allegations saying that his government has utmost respect for all 99 opposition political parties in the country. The government will, however, not take any chances with the country’s security, especially now that they have acquired evidence linking those demanding democracy to terrorists, he explained.

It is only a matter of time before the suspects are caught red handed with explosives and taken to court, he added.

The Prime Minister proceeded to defend the anti-terrorism legislation saying that it was drafted in accordance with internationally accepted standards and therefore would not be withdrawn.