Last Ethiopian Emperor Executed by Previous Govt: Ethiopian Prosecutor

Ethiopia's last emperor Haile Selassie was executed by the previous government led by Mengistu Haile-Mariam, the country's special prosecutor, who declined to be named, said Tuesday, January 2.

The prosecutor told the First Criminal Bench of the Federal High Court that officials of the Mengistu regime ordered the killing of Haile Selassie on charges that the late emperor was hindering Mengistu government from getting local and international support.

The prosecutor presented to the bench a written evidence on the execution order, noting that the previous government also barred Haile Selassie from getting access to any services during his detention.

Haile Selassie's families and friends were also prohibited from paying visits to the imprisoned emperor.

Haile Selassie, born in 1892 and crowned on November 2, 1930, ruled Ethiopia with absolute power until he was overthrown by the Mengistu government in 1974.

The remains of the late emperor were reburied last November in a private tomb in Addis Ababa.






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