Ethiopian pop singer Tewodros
Kassahun was sentenced to six years in prison and an 18,000-birr fine today by
Judge Leul Gebremariam on manslaughter charges. The sentence was announced the 8th High Court in Addis Ababa
where the singer, who is popularly know as Teddy Afro, was found guilty on
Wednesday of the hit-and-run death of a young homeless man in Addis in
2006.
Tewodros insisted on his innocence throughout two trials on the charges. In the first trial, a judge dismissed all charges. At the conclusion of the second trial, Tewodros shouted that he did not kill anyone.
Judge Leul ruled in this week’s trial that evidence that Tewodros was out of the country on the date of the accident was not substantial.
The popularity of Teddy Afro’s reggae recordings reached its peak during the nation’s millennium celebrations in 2007. One of his most popular songs, Yasteseryal, was recorded and released during the political tumult of the 2005 national elections with lyrics that accused the government of failing to deliver on its promises. The song has become an anthem of Ethiopians seeking regime change.
Tewodros insisted on his innocence throughout two trials on the charges. In the first trial, a judge dismissed all charges. At the conclusion of the second trial, Tewodros shouted that he did not kill anyone.
Judge Leul ruled in this week’s trial that evidence that Tewodros was out of the country on the date of the accident was not substantial.
The popularity of Teddy Afro’s reggae recordings reached its peak during the nation’s millennium celebrations in 2007. One of his most popular songs, Yasteseryal, was recorded and released during the political tumult of the 2005 national elections with lyrics that accused the government of failing to deliver on its promises. The song has become an anthem of Ethiopians seeking regime change.
