In reaction to the sentencing against Ethiopian blogger and journalist Eskinder Nega and several senior opposition politicians on accusations of terrorism-related activities, said Claire Beston, Amnesty International's Ethiopia researcher:

“The imprisonment of Eskinder, Andualem and Nathnael is emblematic of the Ethiopian government’s determination to gag any dissenting voice in the country.

“All three men are prisoners of conscience - convicted and imprisoned because of their legitimate and peaceful activities. They should be immediately and unconditionally released."

"The trial fell short of international standards of fair trial in a number of ways. The other five men also sentenced today should be retried or released.

“The Ethiopian government is treating calls for peaceful protest as a terrorist act and is outlawing the legitimate activity of journalists and opposition members."