ActionAid worker and colleague, detained in November 2005, await verdict 

Daniel Bekele, policy manager of ActionAid Ethiopia, will today (1 November) complete his second year in prison as he waits to hear the Federal High Court's judgment in his case.

His colleague Netsanet Demissie, who is director of the Organisation for Social Justice in Ethiopia (OSJE), will complete two years in prison a week later, on 8 November. He, too, is awaiting the court's verdict, which is expected on 22 November.

The two anti-poverty campaigners are the only remaining defendants in a case which was brought against 127 individuals and four organisations in January 2006. All their co-defendants are now free, either acquitted by the court or convicted, sentenced, pardoned and freed.

Daniel Bekele was arrested on 1 November 2005. Netsanet Demissie walked into a police station a week later, on 8 November 2005, after hearing that he was wanted by police.

Both were charged with 'outrage against the constitution and the constitutional order', an offence which in some circumstances can carry a penalty of life imprisonment or death.

They have been recognised by Amnesty International as prisoners of conscience and human rights defenders.

ActionAid UK director Richard Miller said: "Daniel and Netsanet decided to fight their case in the courtroom rather than sign an admission of guilt and ask for a pardon. It has taken two years, but freedom for both men within this month of November is now the focus of our hopes."