July 7, 2009 The Ethiopian Parliament (House of Peoples representatives today passed the bill for the prevention and control of terrorism.  

According to the recommendations presented by the Legal and Administrative Affairs and Foreign, Defense, and Security Affairs Standing Committees of the parliament, the anti terrorism bill was prepared in line with the binding principles of the constitution.  After holding thorough deliberations, the HPR endorsed the bill with  286 votes for and 92 votes against it while one abstention.  Human Rights Watch said last week the law as drafted could be used to define criticism of the government as a "terrorist act".

 The government said the New York-based group had misinterpreted the law and that it fully recognized the right of Ethiopians to engage in peaceful political activity. 

Ethiopian News Agency/also information from Reuters

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