An Ethiopian court has sentenced 20 Muslims to prison after they were found guilty of trying to establish a state ruled by Sharia law and inciting violence.
They were charged under Ethiopia’s controversial anti-terrorism law.
All but one received five and a half years. Two were journalists working for a Muslim radio station.
The state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate, citing the court ruling, said on Tuesday that they also were found to be “participating in a movement to secure the release of another Muslim group.”
Muslims have long felt marginalized in Ethiopia and have carried out a number of protests since 2011.
Some were met with force.
Mustafa Safi, the defendants’ lawyer, says they didn’t receive a fair trial and were not able to pray in detention.
He says they will appeal.j
