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Nonetheless, hope for Million's bail warrantee faded
the moment the prosecutor came up with the transport
amendment Regulation number 275/1962 article 5/4
which states that possession of a driving license
before driving a car was a must.
"This is bad for us," Million last week told the
press who had gathered at his office in Getu
Commercial Center on Africa Avenue.
Million has presented a second appeal which stressed
that the prosecutor's witnesses for the alleged
crime of the "hit and run", incident that killed
Degu Yibelete, were soldiers who were busy with
their chores, and could not be considered as key
witnesses.
"It is not yet time to argue over the charge. That
doesn't bother me. But all the witnesses presented
by the prosecutor were not available at the scene of
the accident." He therefore requested the bench for
bail rights.
The proceeding this time was held in a big hall
called Justice Hall, which can accommodate many
people.
Over 5000 people gathered to attend the proceeding
which was more than what the hall could accommodate;
many people who could not find a seat in the hall
were seen in the compound.
The case of Tewodros is still hanging. Whether the
judge will grant the singer bail or not will be
determined on April 28, 2008.
According to sources close to the prosecuting
attorney, out of the four witnesses presented, the
three police officers who were patrolling around the
scene of the accident may testify that Tewodros
committed homicide.
Tewodros was formally charged last week on two
counts, homicide (including driving without license)
and fleeing the scene of a crime. Homicide would
carry up to a 15-year prison sentence and hence make
Tewodros eligible for bail. Nevertheless,
prosecutors added another charge of failure to help
a victim whom one has injured. This involves an
additional penalty of one month to two years, thus
Tewodros could face up to 17 years in prison if
found guilty.
Ethiopian law stipulates that defendants involved in
crimes carrying sentences greater than 15 years
shall not be permitted bail.
On November 3, 2006, investigators from the Addis
Abeba Police Commission arrested Tewodros, accusing
him of being the perpetrator of a hit-and-run
accident that caused the death of 18-year-old Degu
Yibelete. Degu, a street dweller who came from
Gojjam to reside with his uncle before he moved onto
the streets, was killed on the night of November 2,
2006, after a car had hit him.
The victim was buried in Guskuam Mariam Church,
around Shero Meda, as his parents who came all the
way from Gojjam could not afford to take Degu's body
to his birthplace. |
