The Zone9 Trial Adjourned for 15th Time

Tadias Magazine
News Update

Monday, January 5th, 2015

New York (TADIAS) — The trial of the Zone 9 Bloggers and journalists in Ethiopia has been adjourned for the 15th time. The next court date is set for January 14th, 2015.

The trialtrackerblog.org, which publishes an up-to-date information on the legal status of the Zone9ers, reports that there were more people in the courtroom on Monday than at previous hearings. “Families and friends of the detained stood in line waiting to get inside of the court room,” the blog states. “Today, it was more crowded than usual outside of the court. Many people had gathered to follow the rape case of Hanna, which was held in the same place.”

The website adds: “Having several court hearings in the same court room and on the same day makes the court too crowded. Also, the session was delayed with the result that detainees, loved ones and people following the case online needed to wait for a long time for the session to begin. Furthermore, the space for families and friends in the court room was (as always) very limited. Just a few of them could attend.”

The report notes that “during earlier sessions an amendment of the terrorism charges were ordered (read more below). The amended charges were presented today, but according to the judges some details had not been amended. However, the court accepted the amended charge regarding planning of terrorism acts. The court ordered further amendment on other details. The situation in the court room became intense after the attendants were asked not to make eye contact with the bloggers.”



Related:
Court Adjourns Ethiopian Bloggers’ Trial for 15th Time (VOA News)

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