- The former Ethiopian Prime Minister Tamerat Layne has been released from prison today after spending 12 years for embezzling over US $10 million during his term in office. Mr Layne who was the Prime Minister the country from 1991 to 1994 was sentenced to 18 years in prison.
The former premier was sentenced in 2000 after the Supreme Court found him guilty on three counts of corruption and abuse of power.
He was also accused of using his position to export 1,000 tonnes of state-owned coffee through a bogus firm and of using another company to obtain a tender for the supply of construction equipment worth 13 million dollars.
Local media reports said Mr Layne has expressed his regret for the wrongdoing, hence his jail term was reduced in parole.
President Meles Zenawi assumed the post of prime minister in 1995, though his was criticised in some quarters, who said the prosecution of Mr Layne was politically motivated.
Ethiopia was led by the military regime known as the Derge led by Menghistu Haile Mariaim in 1977-1991, until he was ousted in a coup. Mr Layne also served later as deputy Prime Minister and defense minister until he was sacked and arrested in 1996.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
front page
| news
| countries
| archive
| currencies
| news alerts login
| about afrol News
| contact
| advertise
| español