eight defendants have been granted bail by the Federal High Court’s Lideta Criminal Bench. Each was ordered released on 200,000 birr bail — an amount the prisoners and their families have condemned as unaffordable and punitive, effectively keeping them behind bars despite the court’s ruling.The released individuals include Tesema Melese, Daniel Gulma, Emmanuel Belete, Temesgen Zena, Samuel Mengistu, Takel Melkamu, and Neguss Yilkalen, along with one other unnamed defendant. However, they have not yet left detention, as they are unable to afford the high bail set against them.This group is part of a larger set of 16 political detainees, all of whom have been held without trial for an extended period — a practice widely criticized as unlawful and discriminatory. The remaining eight defendants — Mekuanent Tesfu, Muluken Tesfaye, Endasew Getu, Wendwesen Assefa, Eyasu Gelagel, Neguss Tilahun, Yenealem Mekonnen, and Derbew Addis — were denied bail altogether and will remain in custody.Observers argue that this case is yet another example of the Ethiopian government, under the Prosperity Party, using the legal system to systematically target and suppress members of the Amhara ethnic group. Mass arrests, delayed trials, excessive bail, and lack of access to legal representation have become common features of what many now call a coordinated campaign of political persecution.Despite the court’s attempt to appear impartial by granting limited bail, critics say the justice system remains heavily politicized and complicit in the oppression of Amhara civilians. Calls are growing louder for independent investigations and international pressure to end the abuse of power and restore basic human rights and due process in Ethiopia.
