Ethiopian dictator sentenced to life for genocide

Thursday, January 11th 2007, 6:15 am

By: News On 6

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) _ Former Ethiopian dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam was sentenced to life imprisonment Thursday, ending a 12-year trial for genocide and other crimes committed during his iron-fisted rule. He was tried in absentia.

Mengistu is unlikely to ever spend a day behind bars. He now lives comfortably in exile in Zimbabwe, which says it won't deport him as long as he refrains from political activity.

Eleven of the former ruler's top officials were also sentenced to life while 47 other aides received sentences ranging up to 25 years, said lead judge Medhin Kiros.

Relatives of victims of Mengistu's rule immediately criticized the verdict.

``This is a victory for Mengistu,'' said Mulugeta Aserate, a cousin of Emperor Haile Selassie, who was ousted in a coup by Mengistu in 1994. ``These people should have been sentenced to death for mass murder of Ethiopian citizens.''

Kiros told the packed courtroom he wanted the death penalty because of the nature of the crimes, but the two other judges wanted a lesser sentence.

Chief prosecutor Yosef Kiros said immediately after sentencing that they may appeal because they want Mengistu to face the death penalty. The officials on trial showed no emotion as the sentences were read out.