Ethiopia’s Lideta Federal High Court has sentenced former State Minister of Peace and Oromia regional council member Taye Dendea to seven years and two months in prison, concluding a long and contentious legal process that observers say reflects the wider breakdown of judicial independence under the Prosperity Party–led government.
Taye, once a rising figure known for his strong legal background and vocal defense of civil liberties, was convicted on illegal firearm possession after police claimed to have discovered an AK-47 rifle and sixty rounds of ammunition in a residence previously linked to him. His supporters say the weapon was planted; the court dismissed this argument, ruling that no credible evidence supported the claim.
A Two-Year Political Storm
Dismissal and Immediate Arrest
Taye’s ordeal began in December 2023 when he publicly criticized the government’s handling of the conflict in Oromia, accusing federal leaders of mismanagement, excessive force, and political repression. Within 24 hours of his remarks, he was dismissed from his ministerial role. The next morning, security officers arrested him at his home.
Shifting Charges and Court Reversals
Prosecutors initially filed broad, politically charged accusations:
- collaborating with anti-government armed groups
- spreading destabilizing propaganda
- undermining national security
- possession of a weapon
Throughout 2024, the court dismissed most speech-related charges, stating they fell under protected political expression. In what many regarded as a judicial victory for free speech, Taye was briefly released. However, political observers noted that the government quickly moved to appeal these dismissals.
Supreme Court Intervention
In mid-2025, the Supreme Court unexpectedly reinstated some dismissed charges and ordered a fresh review of the remaining case, drawing criticism that higher courts had begun acting as political instruments rather than independent judicial bodies. Taye was rearrested and returned to custody.
Although the politically sensitive accusations eventually collapsed again, the weapons charge remained — becoming the focal point of a trial widely perceived as one-sided.
Inside the Trial: A Disputed Legal Process
Refusal to Hear Key Witnesses
The defense submitted a list of five witnesses, including senior officials who could testify about Taye’s political dispute with the government, the timeline of his dismissal, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged weapon discovery. Among these witnesses were highly influential figures often viewed as central to the Prosperity Party’s inner circle.
The court approved only two of the five. The decision not to summon the others — without explanation — became one of the most controversial aspects of the trial. Legal analysts say it effectively removed essential testimony that could challenge the prosecution’s narrative.
Denial of Rights and Procedural Irregularities
The defense argued repeatedly that due process had been violated. Among the complaints:
- The court ignored formal motions to cross-examine the officers involved in the property search.
- Requests to review the chain of custody for the alleged weapon were denied.
- The defense was not provided timely access to some evidentiary documents.
- Hearings were rescheduled without notifying the defense team on multiple occasions.
These issues, according to legal observers, fit a growing pattern in which courts handling politically sensitive cases have increasingly bypassed procedural standards.
Sentencing: A Compromise That Satisfied No One
Before handing down the sentence, the court received 13 mitigating arguments from the defense referencing Taye’s years of public service, clean criminal record, and the political circumstances surrounding his arrest. While the court acknowledged most of the mitigation, it still imposed:
- 7 years and 2 months imprisonment
- A 5,000 birr fine
Supporters say the sentence was predetermined, calling it “punishment for speaking truth to power.”
Critics: Ethiopia’s Justice System Has Failed Under Prosperity Party Rule
The verdict has amplified already loud criticism of Ethiopia’s justice system. According to lawyers, academics, opposition groups, and civil society activists:
1. Judicial Independence Has Eroded
They argue that judges increasingly align their decisions with the political interests of the Prosperity Party rather than legal principles, particularly in cases involving dissenting officials, journalists, or activists.
2. The Courts No Longer Serve as a Check on Executive Power
Critics say the judiciary now follows the executive branch’s political calculations, especially when cases involve individuals perceived as threats to the ruling party’s authority or public narrative.
3. Procedural Rights Are Ignored With Impunity
From delayed hearings to restricted witness lists and denial of access to evidence, court procedures are described as inconsistent, unpredictable, and often outright unlawful.
4. Selective Prosecution Has Become Normal
Activists claim that weapon accusations, “terrorism” labels, and vague security charges have become tools used to neutralize political rivals or outspoken figures.
5. Public Trust in the Justice System Has Collapsed
Many Ethiopians, particularly in regions like Oromia and Amhara, openly describe the justice system as “completely failed” — lacking fairness, transparency, and moral authority.
Political Impact: A Deepening Rift
Taye’s sentencing is expected to deepen political polarization.
For many in Oromia, Taye has become a symbol of resistance against what they view as a ruling party intolerant of dissent. For the Prosperity Party, critics say the conviction is a warning to others who might challenge the government’s narrative.
International human rights organizations are expected to issue statements in the coming weeks, with analysts predicting the case will raise further questions about Ethiopia’s commitments to democratic reforms and rule of law.
What Comes Next?
Taye’s legal team will appeal the verdict to the Supreme Court. Whether the appeal will be heard fairly remains an open question for many Ethiopians, given what they describe as a judicial system deeply compromised by political pressure.
For now, the sentencing of Taye Dendea stands not only as a personal tragedy for the former minister and his family, but as a powerful symbol — for many — of what they believe is the systemic failure of Ethiopia’s justice system under the Prosperity Party’s rule.
