Ethiopia's biggest pop star Teddy Afro has been sentenced to six years in prison at a court in Addis Ababa.
As previously reported, Afro stood accused of killing a homeless man, Degu Yibelte, in a hit and run incident, but many believe that the charge was politically motivated; the singer, real name Tewodros Kassahun, has released albums which were considered to be critical of Ethiopia's government, and one of his songs became an unofficial anthem for the opposition in the country's recent, contentious elections.
According to reports the main hole in the case for the prosecution is the fact that the autopsy report on Yibelte indicates that he died the day before Afro is supposed to have killed him, but there is also no forensic evidence of any kind. Supporters claim that Kassahun was tried by a kangaroo court, instructed by Ethiopian prime minister Meles Zenawi.
Judge Leul Gebremariam told the court: "The defendant fled the scene when the victim could have been saved. This shows cruelty".