Ethiopia’s House of Peoples’ Representatives has passed a controversial bill that grants sweeping powers to undercover agents, including immunity from prosecution for all crimes except murder — a provision raising alarm among opposition figures and rights observers.
The bill, titled Prevention and Suppression of Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism, was approved during the House’s 37th regular session and amends Proclamation No. 780/2013. While ostensibly aimed at curbing illicit finance and terror funding, the bill expands state surveillance powers, redefines criminal assets, and extends regulatory authority over digital currencies.
Among the most contentious provisions is a clause that exempts covert investigators from prosecution for any offense short of murder. This immunity, critics argue, could permit acts of torture or inhumane treatment without legal consequence.
Desalegn Chane (PhD), a member of the opposition National Movement of Amhara (NaMA), strongly opposed the provision during the session, describing it as “very surprising” and “draconian.” He expressed concern that the clause could shield state agents from accountability for serious abuses.
Also drawing criticism was the bill’s authorization of surveillance periods lasting up to 120 days, and a measure allowing the Financial Intelligence Service to freeze so-called “suspicious” financial transactions for seven days without judicial oversight—merely on the approval of a designated attorney.
Desalegn further noted the bill’s potential to be used for political purposes, drawing parallels to the Prevention and Suppression of Terrorism Crimes Proclamation of 2020, which has been widely criticized for being used to detain journalists, political opponents, and dissidents under vague definitions of terrorism.
Despite the concerns, the bill was passed by the Prosperity Party-led majority without amendment. Isa Boru, Deputy Chair of the Standing Committee on Legal and Justice Affairs, defended the legislation, insisting it targets only those financially supporting terrorism or criminal activity and does not apply to political parties or journalists.
However, observers note the pattern of legal expansions under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration that increase executive reach while weakening oversight. While the government insists these measures are necessary for national security, opponents see them as part of a broader rollback of rights and a continuation of authoritarian tactics under a new legal pretext.
