The Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) and the national political parties agreed to make amendments on some articles of the anti-terrorism proclamation.
The political parties have discussed on anti-terrorism proclamation for the 5th consecutive round today.
The opposition parties argued that some articles contradict with the constitution, violate human rights and shutter political space for peaceful struggle; on the other hand, the ruling party, EPRDF underlined that the proclamation never contradicts with either the constitution or any of the international laws and conventions that Ethiopia has adopted so far.
It was noted that the responsibility entrusted to police while believing that a possible terrorist act may occur; the police are entrusted to gather information and evidence and arrest suspects without a court order; it leaves a space for police forces to exercise unlimited power are some of the articles proposed by the opposition parties for possible amendments.
In addition, they mentioned the omission of an article that allows the gathering of information through intercepting or conducting surveillance on telephone calls and internet, stating that it violates individual rights.
It was noted that the Ethiopian Raey Party (ERAPA) has resigned from the national political parties negotiations ahead of the agreement made by the parties on the amendments of anti-terrorism proclamations.
Walta has learnt EPRDF expected to present the amended anti-terrorism proclamations during the next national political parties negotiations.