Proclamation No.414/2004 THE CRIMINAL CODE OF THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA PREFACE It is nearly half a century since the 1957 Penal Code entered into operation. During this period, radical political, economic and social changes have taken place in Ethiopia. Among the major changes are the recognition by the Constitution and international agreements ratified by Ethiopia of the equality between religions, nations, nationalities and peoples, the democratic rights and freedoms of citizens and residents, human rights, and most of all, the rights of social groups like women and children. After all these phenomena have taken place, it would be inappropriate to allow the continuance of the enforcement of the 1949 Penal Code. Another discernible gap in the Penal Code is its failure to properly address crimes born of advances in technology and the complexities of modern life. The Penal Code does not incorporate crimes such as the hijacking of aircraft, computer crimes and money laundering. Besides, as regards crimes related to corruption and drugs although they are nowadays, attracting attention both in legislation and follow-up not only within national frontiers but also on the regional and international levels, due to the grave crises they are using, the Penal code does not adequately deal with such crimes with the degree of seriousness they deserve. Another point that should not be overlooked is the penal Code's failure to acknowledge the grave injuries and sufferings caused to women and children by reason of harmful traditional practices. Surely, the constitution guarantees respect for the cultures of peoples, but it does not buttress up those practices scientifically proven to be harmful. It is also futile to issue a law that does not have the trust and support of the people for it usually remains impracticable. But it is well recognized in the philosophy of criminal legislation that the legislature should, by adopting progressive laws at times, educate and guide the public to dissociate itself from harmful traditional practices. Furthermore, it is desirable to adopt a comprehensive code by assembling the various criminal provisions published in the Negarit Gazeta in a disintegrated manner. Similarly, since the parallel application, of the regular Penal Code and the Revised special Penal Code in respect of similar matters disregards equality among citizens,
THE CRIMINAL CODE OF THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA
Jul 05, 2023
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