Former officials charged

The Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission has filed charges against 12 former government officials and businessmen who have been in prison since their arrests on corruption charges in May, the pro-government Walta Information Centre reported on 30 October. The 12 were among some 20 heads of government institutions and businessmen arrested on 29 May on suspicion of involvement in corruption. Those arrested include Siye Abraha Hagos, a former defence minister and leader of dissident group within the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), who were dismissed from the party. The Commission has submitted six charge files, accusing the officials of using their offices for personal gain and to advance the interests of their families. The businessmen were accused of engaging in illegal acts with the officials, and benefiting from the acts, said Walta. Also appearing before the Federal Supreme Court as a defendant with this group was former Prime Minister Tamirat Layne, who is serving an 18-year prison term after being found guilty of corruption three years ago, Walta reported. The court rejected appeals by defence lawyers for bail for their clients, after prosecutors argued successfully that corruption was not a bailable offence under the anti-corruption Proclamation No 279/97. The court adjourned the trial until 5 November, said Walta.