May 8, 2008
An Ethiopian high court on Thursday sentenced three to a death penalty while three others got a life imprisonment after they were found guilty of exploding a bus in the country last month.
The high court held its hearing in Humera town some 900 km north of Addis Ababa where the incident took place.
Last month the defendants attacked a public bus with bombs and during which nine people were killed while 32 passengers were seriously injured.
It is the first time that a high court of Ethiopia has passed such a verdict after a short period when the crimes were committed.
Ethiopia accused its neighbour Eritrea for arming the defendants who were ordered to undertaking “terrorist activities” in the country.
The court had charged the defendants with the killing of civilians, treason and engaging in terrorist activities in the country.
Another defendant in the case was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment..
The defendants were arrested in a week following the incident.
