Mekelle፡ 6 June 2024 (Tigray Herald)
Former state minister Taye Dendea faces witness testimonies in federal high court hearing on criminal charges
The Federal High Court’s First Criminal Bench, which handles crimes against the constitution and the constitutional order, heard testimonies from witnesses in the ongoing case against former state Minister of peace Taye Dendea today. The hearing follows the filing of three criminal charges against Taye by federal prosecutors.
Prosecutors accuse Taye of “violating” the provisions of Article 251/C and Article 257/G of the 2004 Criminal Law. The indictment alleges that while holding the position of State Minister of Peace, Taye was involved in disseminating “propaganda messages in support of anti-peace forces” and sent messages “expressing support” on his social media page.
Additionally, prosecutors accuse Taye of violating the Firearms Act by having “unauthorized weapons” that were allegedly found at his former residence in Lideta sub-city Woreda 6 during a search. Taye’s family has since been forcibly evicted from the residence.
During today’s hearing, the prosecution presented two witnesses, whose statements were recorded by the court. After reviewing the testimonies, the court scheduled the next hearing for June 25, 2024, to further examine the witness accounts and give ruling.
In a previous hearing, Taye submitted a verbal complaint to the court, stating that he and his family were subjected to human rights violations during and after his detention. The defense team also protested the delay in filing charges, as the police investigation had concluded in late December.
Source፡ Addia Standard
