Ex-State Minister Taye Dendea Gets 7-Year Prison Term Over Illegal Firearm Possession”
Federal High Court announces sentencing in Ethiopia.
The Federal High Court has sentenced Taye Dendea, former State Minister at the Ministry of Peace and member of the Oromia Regional Council, to seven years and two months in prison after finding him guilty of possession of illegal firearms.
The verdict was delivered on Friday, Hidar 26/2018 E.C., by the Federal High Court Lideta Division, First Constitutional and Constitutional Crimes Bench.
Charges and Court Findings
Prosecutors stated that a military-grade Kalashnikov rifle, along with 60 rounds of ammunition, was found in Taye Dendea’s residence without legal authorization. The prosecution argued that possessing such a weapon typically reserved for security forces without a license constitutes a serious violation of national security laws.
The court reviewed the evidence presented by the prosecution and determined that the defendant was guilty of the offense, citing that no legal documentation justified possession of the firearm.
Defense Raises Concerns Over Missing Witnesses
Taye Dendea’s defense lawyer told BBC Afaan Oromo that the court proceedings were not fully satisfactory. The lawyer stated:
“There were three key defense witnesses from the security sector who were supposed to testify on his behalf. They were not heard. We respect the court’s decision, but we have serious grievances.”
The defense lawyer also indicated that the team may consider filing an appeal or seeking further legal review of the case.
Background: Security Concerns and Weapon Requests
During the trial, it emerged that Deputy Commissioner of the Federal Police, Melaku Fenta, had previously requested that Taye Dendea be issued a firearm due to alleged security concerns.
The Deputy Commissioner informed the court that credible security threats had prompted him to recommend that Taye be allowed to carry a weapon. He added that he had approached the Office of the Prime Minister to facilitate the issuance of the firearm.
Additionally, Taye Dendea had requested the then Minister of Peace, now Ethiopia’s Ambassador to the United States, Binalf Andualem, to submit a formal letter approving the firearm. However, the court heard that instead of receiving a written authorization, an oral agreement was reached regarding how the weapon should be obtained.
Prosecution and Defense Arguments
The prosecution presented two witnesses who testified in support of the illegal firearm possession charge. They argued that the weapon found in Taye’s home was unlicensed and violated security laws.
The defense, however, insisted that the weapon was kept on official security advice and was not intended for illegal purposes. They highlighted that Taye had followed procedures recommended by security officials, though no formal written approval had been issued.
Court’s Verdict
After reviewing all evidence and testimonies, the court concluded that the firearm in Taye Dendea’s residence was unlicensed and unlawfully possessed, resulting in the seven-year, two-month prison sentence.
What Comes Next?
Legal experts note that the defense team may file an appeal, particularly due to their claim that key witnesses were prevented from testifying. Human rights advocates and political observers are closely monitoring the case, given Taye Dendea’s political profile and prior criticisms of government actions.
More details are expected as the defense decides whether to pursue further legal avenues. Meanwhile, the sentence serves as a notable example of the government’s enforcement of firearm regulations, even against high-profile former officials.
