Criminal Accountability for Derg Crimes: Prosecution of Politicide

Abstract

The state of commission has a duty to ensure accountability for the perpetration of horrendous crimes, such as, genocide and crimes against humanity. Following the fall of the military junta in 1991, the Ethiopian government attempted to dispense justice for the egregious crimes that were committed during the reign of the predecessor regime. In fact, the new government embarked on extensive investigation and prosecution of Derg crimes. This chapter focuses on the prosecution of Derg officials, particularly those who were in leadership positions, for the crime of politicide and other ordinary crimes. It shows that by and large the conviction of Derg officials for the crime of politicide has a legal foundation under the Penal Code of Ethiopia; hence it is not only justifiable but also fitting, given that crimes against humanity were and still are not criminalized as such.