Hopes have been raised that a British human rights activist jailed illegally in Ethiopia could soon be released, after the country's prime minister announced the pardoning of political prisoners and the closure of a prison where he may have been detained and tortured. The Ethopian government claims he is a terrorist, while human rights campaigners say the father-of-three was illegally detained on politically motivated charges. "Political prisoners that are facing prosecutions and are already under arrest will be released," Hailemariam said. "And the notorious prison cell that was traditionally called Maekelawi will be closed down and turned into a museum." It remains unclear whether Mr Tesge is among those due to be set free, but human rights campaigners say his release is long overdue and that he has been tortured by his captors.

Source: Ethiopian News January 03, 2018 18:56 UTC