Germany, June 11, 2017 (Ambassador Media) — In what rights advocates are calling a disturbing attack on free speech, the Ethiopian government has sentenced a social media user, Wondmagane Bergena, to seven years in prison for allegedly “defaming the government” and expressing support for a group it labeled as “extremist.”
The Federal High Court, Lideta Division 1, Anti-Terrorism Criminal Court delivered the sentence under Ethiopia’s sweeping Anti-Terrorism Proclamation and outdated criminal code provisions from 1996. The ruling, based heavily on vague and overly broad accusations, marks yet another dark chapter in Ethiopia’s worsening crackdown on dissent and online expression.
Wondmagane, a private citizen and digital commentator, was convicted primarily for managing social media accounts — including a WhatsApp and TikTok account — where he reportedly shared critical views of the government, political commentary, and posts in support of the Amhara Fano movement. The state accused him of “spreading messages that incite war” and “supporting enemy groups,” but provided no concrete evidence of violent action or direct incitement beyond digital speech.
According to court documents, his alleged “crime” included sharing videos, images of armed individuals, and expressing political opinions in conversations with his relative, Zemedkun Bekele. This relative is said to have described government demolitions and called for armed resistance. Rather than prosecuting any direct criminal activity, the government pursued Wondmagane for his ideas — a clear violation of the fundamental right to freedom of expression.
International observers and human rights groups have long criticized Ethiopia’s misuse of anti-terrorism legislation to suppress dissent. The vague allegations of “propaganda work” and “creating suspicion against the government” show the government’s intent not to protect public safety but to silence opposition and punish political speech.
Ambassador Media strongly condemns the sentencing of Wondmagane Bergena. This verdict is not about justice or national security — it is a targeted attack on speech, political opinion, and civic activism. When the sharing of political views and support for opposition groups becomes criminalized, Ethiopia risks descending into a state where all dissent is silenced by force.
We call on international human rights organizations, foreign governments, and the African Union to pressure Ethiopian authorities to reverse this politically motivated conviction, release Wondmagane immediately, and reform anti-terrorism laws that are weaponized against the people.
Freedom of speech is not terrorism. Political opinion is not a crime.
The imprisonment of Wondmagane Bergena is an affront to democracy and a warning to all Ethiopians who dare to speak truth to power.
