Muluken Tekleyohanes | Ambassador Media | June 17, 2025
The Ethiopian House of Representatives today approved a controversial proclamation aimed at combating the legalization of assets obtained through crime and the financing of terrorism. While the government claims the law is essential to national security, critics argue it dangerously expands state power and grants immunity to undercover operatives at the expense of civil liberties, accountability, and democratic principles.
The proclamation, passed with a majority vote (three in favor, one against, one abstention), includes a particularly alarming clause: it exempts undercover investigators from prosecution for any crime committed during their duties — except for murder — so long as those crimes occur “due to reasons beyond their control and without their consent.”
Unprecedented Immunity Raises Alarm
Council member Desalegn Chane (PhD) expressed deep concern over the sweeping immunity granted to operatives. “Does this mean if the investigator engages in torture, human rights violations, or large-scale corruption, they will walk free?” he asked. “Such immunity opens the door for impunity and severely undermines Ethiopia’s international human rights commitments.”
Another member, Alemu Gonfa (PhD), questioned the logic of shielding operatives from accountability. “If someone admits to committing a crime, even under pressure, they should not be absolved entirely. This gives too much leeway and sets a dangerous precedent,” he said.
Clampdown on Freedoms?
Critics warn that the law will disproportionately target opposition voices, journalists, and civil society. Council member Muluken Assefa said the new law “restricts the rights of investors, journalists, political competitors, and human rights defenders,” adding that it is a clear violation of the right to freedom of expression.
He further criticized the law’s retroactive scope, pointing out that it could be used to punish individuals for actions committed up to 10 years before the proclamation’s enactment. “This opens the door for selective targeting and political retribution,” said Muluken.
Suspicion Without Oversight
Among the more worrying provisions is the ability of the Financial Security Service to freeze transactions deemed suspicious — without any court order — for up to 7 days. This bypasses judicial oversight and places extraordinary power in the hands of the executive.
Defenders Dismiss Concerns
In response to the criticisms, supporters of the proclamation — including Ato Sadiq Adem — argued that the law is justified due to the “widespread threat of terrorism.” He claimed that rights are not absolute, and security must take precedence. “No country can afford to set rights as absolute,” he said.
Other supporters, like Ato Zekarias and Ato Issa Boro, downplayed the criticism, saying the law is misunderstood and not designed to suppress dissent.
A Law of Control, Not Protection
Despite these reassurances, human rights advocates and many lawmakers believe the proclamation is another step toward authoritarianism in Ethiopia. Rather than targeting crime and terrorism effectively, it risks becoming a tool for suppressing dissent and consolidating unchecked state power. By shielding undercover operatives from accountability and bypassing judicial authority, the Ethiopian government risks legitimizing abuse in the name of security.
This law, critics argue, does not reflect the democratic aspirations of the Ethiopian people. Instead, it signals a deeper entrenchment of repressive policies under the guise of anti-terrorism efforts — a path that may threaten the very stability it claims to protect.
