Freedom of expression was subjected to a sustained attack in Ethiopia during 2011, and this has continued into 2012. In this oral statement Amnesty International calls upon the African Commission to urge the Ethiopian authorities to cease the use of criminal prosecutions to silence the freedom of expression of opposition politicians, independent media, and other groups critical of the government. The organization also makes other recommendations to the Commission about urging the Ethiopian authorities to protect and promote rather than criminalize freedom of expression.
