Ethiopia prosecutors seek death in opposition case

ADDIS ABABA, July 9 (Reuters) Ethiopian prosecutors demanded the death penalty today for 38 opposition officials convicted of trying to overthrow the government, treason and inciting violence.

''Since they have been found guilty on all counts, they should be punished with the highest penalty,'' prosecutor Abraham Tetemke told the court, which adjourned for a week to consider the demand.

''The accused conspired to overthrow the government. In the process, they have created havoc, destroying state and private proerty. They are also responsible for the deaths of security forces and because of this we request the death penalty.'' The court gave the accused a week to provide any mitigating evidence.

The courtroom was packed with relatives of the accused, who sobbed as they heard the prosecutors' demand.

The officials were convicted last month of charges relating to violent protests over disputed elections in 2005 which the opposition says were rigged.

Nearly 200 people were killed in clashes between protesters and security forces over the vote that altered the political landscape in the Horn of Africa country of 81 million people, handing the opposition a vastly increased share of parliamentary seats.

Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has said he regretted the post-poll violence, but blamed it on opportunistic rioters and an opposition conspiracy to topple him by force.

Last month, he condemned calls by Western diplomats for the 38 to be released as ''shameful and wrong''.

Reuters SV RN1452