The office of the Federal Attorney General announced methods of applying to the Amnesty Proclamation approved by the parliament on June 28, 2018. The amnesty was granted to listed crimes by the proclamation and crimes which are committed until June 28.
The federal Attorney General, Brhanu Tesgaye, said the date was decided to last on June 28 believing that citizens were not able to exercise their rights without violating these provisions until the condition was stabilized few weeks back.
Individuals who are said to be involved with crimes listed by the Proclamation should apply to the Attorney General within the next six months.
Individuals with cases in different stages including those which are under investigation, in trial and those which get the judgment are subjects to the amnesty which its effect will extend to the total removal of criminal records of the individual.
The office mentioned that those who violate the provisions of the criminal code, anti-terrorism law and the two states of emergencies will be eligible of the amnesty if and only if the crimes are those which are listed in the proclamation. Brhanu also stressed that other convicts or suspects cases will remain under the normal procedures of the law and the government’s commitment to the rule of law will not be compromised. He quoted the different confusion among prisoners and the people as the government is planning to release all the prisoners as a misunderstanding. The Attorney General calls the public for its integrity for the obedience of the rule of law trough his one hour briefing to the press.
Crimes which are committed to exercise one’s democratic rights are selected by the proclamation to grant the amnesty.
The amnesty will not include returning of properties which are already commenced as the process will affect rights of a third party but persons whose cases are pending will get their property back.
Corruption and crimes which are listed by the constitution will not get the amnesty. Persons which are accused of Genocide, arbitrary killings and crimes committed on humanity will not be included in the amnesty.
“We are looking into corruption cases to decide if there are mistakes of defining corruption and if cases should be seen on administrative tribunals” said Brhanu. “We will not look into the motive of the charge, if they are politically motivated, and we will reveal the result for the people soon.”
The office will accept application in its head office, in Justice Bureau of regions, in its website, via telephone or via post. The individuals which are seeking the amnesty should fill the form in person or through their representatives.
Persons who didn’t apply within the coming six months will be considers as they waive the amnesty. The amnesty will be applicable in every regions and city administrations of the country.