The criminal charge was filed a day after Lidetu discontinued his defense team saying his trial so far was politically motivated. Prosecutors charged him with Ethiopia’s newly enacted “Firearm Administration & Control Proclamation” under a clause penalizing possession of bulk firearms, although Lidetu was initially accused of illegaly possessing a single pistol. Addis Abeba, September 17/2020 – oromia regional state, east Shewa zone prosecutors have today pressed criminal charges on veteran opposition politician Lidetu Ayalew, founder of the opposition Ethiopian Democratic Party (EDP). Oromia region prosecutors accused Lidetu of contravening Ethiopia’s newly enacted Firearm Administration & Control Proclamation 1177/2020, Art. In his letter yesterday, Lidetu stated that he has applied for bail in compliance with the court’s ruling.

Source: Ethiopian News September 18, 2020 08:48 UTC