Amnesty International welcomes the expected imminent release of prisoners of conscience Daniel Bekele and Netsanet Demissie, who were unfairly convicted two days ago on a charge of provoking and preparing outrages against the Constitution.

They were sentenced today to two years and six months’ imprisonment but are expected to be freed in the next few days on account of having been already imprisoned for 25 months before and during their trial and with remission for good behaviour. It is expected that they will appeal against the convictions.

The prosecutor had demanded the maximum 10-year sentence and deprivation of political rights.

For details of Amnesty International’s response to their convictions, see “Ethiopia: Prisoners of conscience unfairly convicted, face possible 10-year prison terms”.