478

Criminal Code
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Artic Ie No

Article Title PART I GENERAL PART BOOK I CRIMES AND CRIMINALS

Page No

TITLE I CRIMINALLAWAND ITS SCOPE CHAPTER I

SCOPE OF THE LAW 1 2 3 4 Object and Purpose Principle of Legality Other Penal Equality Legislation 1 2 2 3 II OF THE LAW as to Time

Before the Law CHAPTER SCOPE OF APPLICATION Section 1.- Conditions

5 6 7 8

Non-retrospective Exception: Application Application

Effect of Criminal Law of the More Favourable Law

3 4 4 4

Application

as to Measures as to Periods of Limitation

9 10

Enforcement of Judgments passed under Repealed Legislation. Application as to Cancellation and Reinstatement
Section 11.- Conditions as to Place

5 6

Sub-section 1.- Principal Application 11 12 13 Crimes Committed on Ethiopian Territory: Normal Case Special Case: Delegation Crimes Committed against Ethiopia Outside Its Territory 6 7 8

Criminal iArticle
I No. 14 15 16

Code

479
Page
No. 8 9 9

Article Title
Crimes Committed in a Foreign Country by an Ethiopian Enjoying Immunity Crimes Committed in a Foreign Country by a Member of the Defence Forces Effect of Foreign Sentences

Sub-section 17 18 19 20

11.- Subsidiary

Application
10 11 11 12

Crimes Committed Outside Ethiopia Against International Law or Universal Order Other Crimes Committed Conditions for Subsidiary Outside Ethiopia Application

Effect of Foreign Sentences

Sub-section 21 22 Extradition Recognition

111.- General

Provisions 13

of Foreign Sentences

13

TITLE 1\ THE CRIME AND ITS COMMISSION CHAPTER THE CRIME 23 24 25 Crimes Relationship of Cause and Effect 14 14 15 I

Place and Time of the Crime

CHAPTER DEGREES 26 27 28 29 30 31 Preparatory Attempt Renunciation

II OF THE CRIME 17 17

IN THE COMMISSION Acts

and Active Repentance of Completion

18 19 19 19

Crime Impossible

Special Case of Attempt Discretionary Power of the Court

480 Artiefe No.

Criminal Code
Article Ti11e

Page No.
'

CHAPTER fli
PARTICIP ATlON IN THE COMMfSSION OF A CRIME

32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41

Principal

Grimi.nal

Participation in Gases: at Sp~ctat Crimes Partrcipatfoo af 8. Juridical Person in a Crilne:.

CoIl:ecttve Crimes Incitement Accamplice

Criminal Conspiracy Failure to ~rt Accesoory Atter the fact Non.-transmfS$ibifi.ty of Personal Cifcuffl$-taooes
CH'APTER IV PARTtCIPATJON IN CRIMES RELATING TO THE MASS MeDIA i PrincipJe
.

20 21 21 22 22 23 24 24 25 25

42 43 44 45 46 47

Uabiftty for Crimes Committed' through ttw Mass Media.

26 26 3D 30 31 31

Special Crimina! UabtHty ot ihe Author, OrigtJ1'aior, or PubJf$her ;Secn~~ of the Identi.tyof a Source ExcJus.ion of Double Uabititv Immmjty

.TtTlEfi CONntTtON$ OF UA8tt..J1YTO P~HM:fNT ~PISCTOF~tM~

CHAPTER J. CRlMIHAt. RE$PO~

tT 32 33 33

~ctiQ.o l. 48 49
50

OrGnar'ft~ty
irr.EI$pon,sJb.iJi1ty..

eriJ\l'li.~ Re,$;po~1~ an~ Partia:l~sponsi.bili1y .

Committed in a State of trres:ponsibjJityCaused .Crimes by Intoxica.tionor Other StmHarConditions

Criminal eod@ ..rt!a!@

.

481

g,

Al1i~";~

'!'It!@
'-'C'

!1i~

E~p~rt Exafl1in~tiqn litt;ti@!'! Ik

-."

."."~

>.

,(. .

in Doubtfu!

C~E:!S

!l1f!!lnt ~md JYV@ni!e, CQlim:ty@ntli I?rQv!!;)Il

~?
I?~ 54 i5 59

Infl!!!'1i ~~gn~r\:ltIQI1 fr@ffi Qrlmlnal E~p~rt ~Vig!;1f1Q~ a,Og f!;ngYi"Y,

AIjII!!~~mE)l1t Iilf ~~f\tE)nQ@,

p~qia! Pl'Qvj!3l(m~ Apf;lll(,Wpl~ to YQY!'19 P~'H{:I9n~\

Crimin~l~

QVE1f ~iftE;!E)n ~ut Ul1g~Hi$l,h.t~@R

Y~ar~ gf A.QE;!,

~Q 30 ae ~7 g~

QHA~'fI;R

1.1

tW

CRIMINAl" ~YlbT ~~U9n I,. l.nt~"nQ!1, N~9Uu@nQ@an~ A~~igtnt Prinqiple,i Qrimlnal Fijylt i:mQA~~iqE)nt
SlJb.$@~U~f1 k Gynt in ea~@ Q( , $impl~ eNm~

~~

5a
59

Criminal

IfltE){'ItlQ!,\,

Criml!'\\!!' tVla~I\Q@n~E),
iYb'~IaQ:tl(m

$9 ~!:)
0.1 4Q 41 42 42 42 43 43 44

QQ 61 62 63 64 65 66 67

CQnQl,mtnJ

{I.. e~imipal ~YUt hl ea~t QQ.nQyrr~!'\Ct atlt'J R~!divh~m (:frimE)~

U~it qf G,yitt ~m,t Pe,{'Ii;\ltY' R~r\E)Vlla,1 Qf Gl,Iilt I;ntaJling a, Fre,$h PEi1natty Gl,liltifl CaE) Q.f R~late,cI Grimes Gyllt in Qa$e of Other GQ!1qurrent MateriQI Qrimes Guilt in Case of NQtional CQnQurre,nceViolQting Difere[)t
le9:a.1 prQNisions Gum i.n Ga~E) of Notional Qoncl,lrrence Resulting Crimes wIth Va(iQus Material Consequences Gyilt in Case of Reciqiyism, $ectiqn 11.- l.l;Iwful in

Acts, JI,Istifiable Acts and

Excuses Sub.section 1.- Lawful Acts 68 Acts Required or Authorized

by Law

45

482 Article No.

69

Criminal Code
.

Article, Title
.

Page No. 45

Professional

Duty

Sub-section

11.-

Justifiable

Acts and Excuses 45 46 46 47 47 48 48 48 49 49 49

70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81

Consent Absolute Resistible

of the Victim Coercion Coercion of Person Giving an Order of the Subordinate

Responsibility Responsibility Necessity

Excess of Necessity Military State of Necessity Legitimate Defence Defence

Excess in Legitimate Mistake of Fact

Mistake of Law and Ignorance

of Law

50

Section 111.82 83 84 85 86

Extenuating and Aggravating Circumstances 51 52 53 and 54 54

General Extenuating Circumstances Special Mitigating Circumstances: Family and Affection Relationships General Aggravating Circumstances Special Aggravating Circumstances: Concurrence Recidivism Other General Extenuating and Aggravating Circumstances.

BOOK II THE CRIMINAL PUNISHMENT AND ITS APPLICATION TITLE I PUNISHMENTS AND OTHER MEASURES AND THEIR ENFORCEMENT CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS 87 Principle 55

Criminal Code
Article No. 88 89
Calculation of Sentence Minor Crimes

Article Title

483 Page No. 55 56

CHAPTER II ORDINARY PUNISHMENTS APPLICABLE Tb ADULTS Section 1.-Principal Punishments Sub-section 1.- Pecuniary Penalties Paragraph 1.Fine, Confiscation and Sequestration Fine; Principles to be Applied When Fine Imposed The Imposition of Fine in Addition to Imprisonment Motive of Gain as an Aggravating Circumstance RecoverY of Fine Steps Taken by the Court When Fine is not Paid
Forthwith Conversion Conversion Suspension Confiscation Sequestration of Fine into Labour of Fine into Compulsory of Enforcement of Property of Property Labour Labour
'

90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

57 58 58 59 59 60 60 60 61 62

of Compulsory

Paragraph

II.

Other Pecuniary

Effects

100 101 102

Forfeiture Restitution

to the State. of Property, Compensation

'.

62
for Damages and
.

Costs
Compensation

63 63

to Injured Party.

Sub-section

11.- Compulsory Labour and Penalties Entailing Loss of Liberty Compulsory Labour

Para:graph 1.-

103 104

Compulsory Labour with Deduction of Wages to the Benefit of the State Compulsory Labour With Restriction of Personal Liberty

64 65

. ..~,,'

484
'-, .

~,,~ ~"'L".~_-< ',' '~"".'~

,.

~ ""

~c-.

OrlminAI CtJde
, ,.",-,.._' ."", "'-"-~"~...~,~-'~"""""

Article
",N~."

Afticle 'fltlE!
,-'-''''",'''--~,'..,-",

Pligi
,

'-""-

105

Suspension 61sentence buring Illness

Paragraph il.penaities Sntalling boss of L.1"ei'ty

N(jJ" 65

106

107
108 109 110 111 112 112

Simpie ImprisQl'lIiient SubStiMifJn (jf Oompulsory L.ab()iJt fot Simple iMprisonment jZ\jgdrous Impl'lMnment

66 67
67 68
613 69 70 71 11 71 72

Common PrbVisl6lis
Separation 6f Sexes aM Segfegtdion

obligation to Do Wor}{ arid !1Jsl'iefits AScrtJil'lg fH~re1l'olii

Variation of OdMiti6riS 011rt1prlsonment

114
115,

Cdnditionlitl ~'ease !:jefCirs Expiry (}fP~tiM of SentenM Execution of Sentelide in the Case M Mimbers 6f the
Defende Forces DeduotiOliof P~r1ddof Remand /'>ei'lod of fli'fteSpent iN Hosf}iUd alid transfi!!1'In Oase Of Illness
SJub-sl!ction
Uf.-- Plinishrti8ht Of beattt

11S

117 118 119 120

General Principles Treatment of Prisoner Awaiting EXecuflon Cases Where Death Penalty May be Suspended Cornmutati6t'l of Ssntertce of Death
$ectlol1 fl.'" $ecoMary

73 14 74 74

punishments 75 75 76 71 77 I 78

121 122 123 124 125 126 127

Prtrtbiples CatJtlon,. ReprirnaM, Deprivation of Right$: Period of DepriVation Date from WhiCh Deprivation Shall nave Effect ReinsUden'lertt AdMonishment and Apology

DIsmissal from the Defence

.Rank

Force& I:tnd AeductiOti

in

7&

Cri.minal Code
.

485
Page 79 .~

Artide
N.o. 12;~ i Legail Effect

Article Tiffe

'CHAPTERll. MEASURES APPUCA8U:TO ADULTS ilNSPECIAL CASES Section 1.- Measures AppUcab:Je to trrespon:sibk! Persnsand Cdm:inaJs with a Limited Responsibility
~'2g 1'3Q 131 1;32 133

P,rinO\PJe
(;'o:n>f:inel'.!1l~l1it

79 79 80 :()rTmatm2nt
iU;pO:r1IiPenatty

Treatment ;DuraUono:fQontin~l1It
:Effect of U11l'Mt~(j HeSjpor1'$ib~LtlY

00 81

Section It- 'GENERALMEASURES FORPtJ:RPOSES OF ,PREVENT1ONAN'DPROTECTION 134

Ptinoip;Le 82

$ub.section
135
136
:

I.-Measures

O!fa ;Material 'Nature

.as 83 84 84 85 '8'5 '86 I

iG,uar.antteeof ,GooolCiGnduct;; IPrM11C\p;le iRefusa:l,of 8eoogirntIZance or Guara;n'tee : tega~ Effect

137 138 ~39 140 141

. tnability tcrfumisih
Re,~~~iO:nofthe

a Guamrn'tee Mea-sure

$&izlUire,of Oa:mgerous Artioles Oommon iProv-i'$ion:G'E)iner;a:1 PreMerntiV<eAPtplicatioo Sub-section

i

~..- Measure.s

Entailing Restr!ic:tions on 86 ,87 87

ActMties
$us,pernSiian af1l:d W:ifM,rawalof a License P:rooi'bitiGoand Ciloslng oJfan Under.ta!kiing :

14,2
143

1.44

Ef,fectcf iNon.ohsenr.ance
,.

486 Article No.

Sub-section 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153

Criminal Code
Article Title 11/.- Measures Entailing a Restriction on Personal Liberty Prohibition from Resorting to gertain Places Prohibition to Settle Down or Reside in a Place Obligation to Reside in a Specified Place or Area PJacing under Supervision Withdrawal of Official Papers Prohibition from Residing in the Territory; Expulsion Enforcement Suspension of the Measures by way of Probation Penalty in Case of Violation of Safety Provisio'ns Measures for Purposes of Information Notification to the Competent Authority. Publication of the Judgment Entry in Judgment Register CHAPTER IV MEASURES AND PENALTIES APPLICABLE TO YOUNG PERSONS Section 1.- Period Between Ages of Nine and Fifteen Sub-section 1.- Ordinary M~asures Sub-section IV.Page No.

88 88 89 89 90 90 91 92 92

154 155 156

92 93 93

157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165

Principle Admission Supervised Reprimand; to a Curative Education Censure. Arrest Institution Institution

94 95 95 96 97 97 97 98 98

School.orHome Admission

to a Corrective

Duration of the Measures Variation of the Measures Legal Effect of the Measures

Criminal Code
Article Title 166 167 168 Principle Fine Imprisonment Sub-section III. 169 170 171 172 173 174 175
Petty Cases; Waiving Special Period of Limitation Suspended Sentence and Period of Probation

487 Page No.

99 99 100

Common Provisions
101 101 102 102 102 103 103

of Penalty for Definite Reasons

Effect of Measures Preventive Publication Cancellation Section

and Penalties upon Civil Rights Measures of a Genera! Nature Register

and Protective of Judgment

and Entry in Judgment

of Entry and Reinstatement 11.-Period Between Ages of Fifteen and Eighteen

176 177

Normal Case. Special Case.

104 104

TITLE II DETERMINATION, SUSPENSION, DISCONTINUANCE AND EXTINCTION OF THE PENALTY CHAPTER I DETERMINATION AND SUSPENSION OF THE PENALTY Section 1.- Determination Assessment of the Penalty in Case of Mitigation or Aggravation Provided by Law Sub-section I.-Rules Governing Mitigation and Exemption 179 180 181
Ordinary Mitigation 106 106 107 Free Mitigation Common "'rovisions

178

105

488

CriminaJ ,Code
AtficleTitie
Page

182

;Exemption

frO'mand Waiving of P>ooaliy tI.-RuilesGoverning Aggravation

No. m7

Sub-section

183 Ordinary AggravatiQn. 184 Aggravation of Penalty ,in Case of Concurrent Crimes. 185 Spe.cial Case. 186 Retrospective Concurrence.. 187 Aggravation of Penalty:irI Case:o! Notional Concurrence. 188 Aggravation in Case of Recidivism. Sub-section ltJ.-CurnutaftOn of. Extenuating and , Aggmvating.Circurnstances Cumulation of Oifferent Extenuating and Aggravating Circumstances Section It.-SuspensioodPenalty Sub-<section tConditional Suspension 190 : Principle.. Suspension 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200
.

108 100 110 110 111 112

189

113

of Panany 114 114 115 115 115 116 117 117 U8 118 119

Suspended Suspensioo

of Prcmouncement of the Penalty; Sentence Of Enf'01'cement of f1Ie Penalty.. ano 'Wlt:hldrawa1of Suspension.
.

Cumulation of !Penaties, OivisibifayofSuspension. Disallowance

Enquiry.

Commorn ProvisiQns: Period :ofProoationo Conditions oflbe Probation. HuLes 'o'f Conduct ta be Imposed upon the Criminal. CQOt"ooj and Supe;rvision.

Etfedt of Faiure of ProoaWm. Sub-section It.-Conditional ReleaS'e

201 202

PriOOip1e. Conditions for Release..

120 121

'

Criminal
Articte No. 203 204 205 206 207 Period of Probation.

Code

489
Page Nq. 121 122 122 123 124

,,~

Art/die title
Information Conoernlng Conditiclhal Release,
Rules of Conduct Result Of Probation, Effeot of Prohibitions and bther Measures, and of Supervision.

Sub-section
208 209 210

III...

Supervision by a Charitable Organization 125 126 126

CHAPTEA

Principle,
Purpos~

and Duties.

Organl:z:atiol1, II
OF

DISCONTiNUANCe AND eXtiNctiON Section t,.Abence Sub-seCtion 211 212 213

THE PROSECUTION AND tHE PENALTY

of Accuser or ACcused

1.- Absence of Accusation or Compiaint Right of Complaint or Accusation in General.

Crimes Time Punlshabh~ upon a Forma! Complaint

withinwhichto lodgea Complaint

II.-D'eatbofan Accused ora Convicted

127 127 128

Sub-sect/on

Person. 214
215

Death of th~ Accus~d Prior to Conviction.

Death of a Convicted Person. Section It.oL/mitationas to ProseeWon.andPenalUe$ Sub..seetion L-Limf:tation as to: Prosecution Principle andBfecl. Ordinary limitation Periods. spedaf PEni_. Calcutattonof Periods.

128 128

216 217 218 219

129 129 130 , 130

490 .Article
Nc>. 220 221 222 Suspension Interruption Absolute

Criminal Code
Article Title of Period of Limitation. of Period of Limitation.

131 132 132

Limitation.

Sub-section II.-Limitation of Penalties and Measures

223 224

Principle and Effect. Ordinary Periods of Limitation of Penalties and

MA::I"" orA'>

132 133 134 134 135 135

225 226 227 2213

Calculation Suspension
~l1a~~llro~

of the Period. of Period of Limitation of Penalty and of Period of Limitation of Penalty.

Interruption Absolute
t:" ">;1;-

Period of Limitation

of Penalties and Measures.

Section

111.-Pardon

and Amnesty

229 230 231

Pardon. Amnesty, Civil Reparation and Costs.

135 136 136

Section IV.-Reinstatement 232 233 234 235 236 237 Principle. Conditions for Reinstatement.
Special Cases. Effects of Reinstatement. Dismissal Revocation and Renewal 6f the Request. of the Decision

137 137 138 138 139 139

Criminal Code
Article Title PART II SPECIAL BOOK III CRIMES AGAINSTTHE STATE OR AGAINST NATIONALOR INTERNATIONALINTERESTS
TITLE I CRIMES AGAINST THE STATE CHAPTER I CRIMES AGAINST THE NATIONAL STATE Sectian 1.- Crimes against The Canstitutianal and the Internal Security 'Ofthe State' Order

491 Page Na...

PART

Sub-sectian 238 239 240 241 242 243

Outrages Order. Obstruction of the exercise .s>fConstitutional Powers. . Armed Rising or Civil War.' . Attack on the Political or Territorial Integrity of the State. Violation of Territorial or Political Sovereignty. Unlawful Departure, Entry 'OrResidence.

I. - Crimes Against the Canstitutian 'Or the State against the Constitution or the Constitutional

140 141 141 142 142 143

244 245

Sub-sectian 11.- Injuries and Ihsulttathe State Attacks against the State and National and other Emblems. Unlawful use of OfficialEmblems. Sectian 11.- Crimes against the External Security and Defensive Pawer 'Ofthe State

144 144

246 247 248 249 250

Attacks on the IhdepEmdenceof the State. Impairment of the Defensive Powe(of the State. High Treason. Treason. Economic Treason.

145 145 146 147 148

492 Article No. 251 252 253

Criminal Code
Article Title Collaboration Espionage. Protection extended to Allied Powers. with the Ener:ny.

Page No. 148 149 150

Section

1It.-Common

Provisions

254 255 256 257 258 259 260

Indirect Aid and Encouragement. Attempted Incitement and Assistance. of Subversive Acts.

Material preparation Provocation Aggravation Additional Confiscation

and Preparation. to the Crime. penalties and measures. of Property.

150 151 151 152 152 153 153

CHAPTER II CRIMES AGAINST FOREIGN STATES 261. 262

.Hostile

Acts Against a ForeigoState. OUtrages against ForeignHeadsofStafe, ; Representatives and Other Pmsons Enjoying Protections under Infernationaf! law.
.ViolationbfForeign

154 154 155 155 156 156 156 157

263 264
265 2.66 26:1 268

Sovereignty..

Insults to FoteigttiSta1e$.
Insults to the OfficialEmblems.ot FOleign Stat<es; Insults to inter- State Institutions. ReciproCity.

Condition of Prosecution. TmE Ii CRtMESJNV1OLAlTlONOF INTERNATIONAL LAW afAPTER, .. FUNDAMENTALCRIUES

.: 270.'

269

Genooide.
.\MarCrimes against

the. CivitranPopulation..

157 158

Criminm Code
Articie No. 271 272 273 274 275 276

ArticleJitle
War Crimes again$t WOunded, Sick Qr Shipwrecked Persons or Medical Services War Crimes against Prisoners and Jnterned Persons. Pillage, Piracy and Looting. Pmvocationand Preparation. Dereliction of Duty Towards the Enemy. Use of illegal Means of Combat. Breach of Armisticeor PeaceTreaty. Franc Tireurs. Maltreatment of.,or DsreHctionof Dl,.lty towards, Wounded, Sick or Prisoners. . Denial of Justice.
CHAPTER II CRIMES AGAINST HUMANIT ARIANORGANtZAT~ONS Hostile Acts against Intemational Humanitarian Organizations Abuse of Emblems and Insignia of International Humanitarian Orgarnzations Hostile Acts against the Bearer ofa Flag of Truce.

,493 Page No. 160 . 161 161 161

162 162 163 163 164 164

277
278 279 280

281
282 283

164 165 165"

TITLE III MilITARY CRIMES ANOCRIMES AGAINST THE DEFENCE FORCES AND THE POLICE CHAPTER I MllfTARYCRJMES Section L~Breaches of LiablUty to Serve 284
286 287 288 289

Hefusallo PerfonnWlary
Intentiooally Contracted

Service.
Unfitness.

.285 FaHure to Comply Witb.aCalling.up Order.

Fraudulent Evasion of Service. Desertion. Absence without +eave.

166 166 167 167 168 , 168

494

Criminal

Code Page No. 169

Article Title 290 Voluntary Failure to Rejoin the Defiance Forces. Section II.-Abuse of Military Authority 291 292 Unlawful Exemption from Service. Threats or Violence against an Inferior. Section 111.Breaches of Military Duty Sub~section 1.- Crimes Endangering Good Service Regulations Infringement of General Service Regulations.
Incomplete or inaccurate official statements.

169 170

293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 301 302'

170 171 171 172 173 173 174 174 175 175

Drunkenness on Active Duty. Want of Discipline. Insults or Threats to, or Assaults upon, a Person of Superior or Equal Rank Insubordination. Mutiny. Conspiracy or Concert to Raise a Mutiny. Incitement and Assistance. Crimes against Guards, Sentries or Patrols. Sub-section II.-Crimes ~gainst Guard Duty or Instructions Breaches of Guard Duty. Infringement of Militarylnstrtictions. Disclosure or Alteration of InStructions. Sub-section 111.-' Crimes'against Honesty

303 304 305

175 176 177

306 307 308 309 310

Misuse or Waste of Material.' Malversation or Receipt of ill-gotten gains. Failure to report Danger. Failure to take Essential Security Measures. Raising a False Alarm.

177' 178 179 180 180

Criminal. Code

[
i ! I

Article No; 311 312 313 314 315 316 317

Demoralization Cowardice. Capitulation. Abandonment Improper

Article Title
of the Defence Forces.

495 Page No.

181 182 182

of Means of War Intact.

183 183 184 184

t
)
J,

use of Enemy Uniform or Arms.

l'

Abandonment of a Wounded or Killed Member. . . Crime Committed against the Possessions of a Wounded or Killed Member. Section v..common Provisions

318 319 320 321 322

, , j

Crimes Committed by Civiliansorby Members of'the Militia. Crimes Committed by Prisoners of War . or Military Internees. Breaches of Military Duty Committed by Officers or Commanding Officers Additional Disciplinary Penalties Penalties in Grave Cases. Excepted.

185 185 186 186 186

CHAPTER II CRIMES AGAINST THE pEFENCE FORCES AND MEMEBERS THEREOF

'J

Section I. 323 324 325

Crimes against Members of the Defence Forces on Active Duty 187 187 188

"'

Compelling breaches of duty Attack on a Member of the Defence Forces while on Active Duty Aggravated Cases

Section II> 326 327 328

Crimes against the Defence Forces And their Auxiliary Services 188 189 189

Breach of Legal or Contractual Obligations Sabotage Traffic inMilitary Material

496 AftJde No.

329 330 , 331

C.riminal Code
.Arttele ntle
Una:uthodzed manufacture ,of..and lra#1C ]r'I.Military Uniforms, If\gignia ()J'.t)ecoratiOl'tS UflliluttiotJ1;erlWceari.ng .of MJUtarylJnifO:l'rn8,. Decoratiol1S o.r Insignia Disregardot Military MeasliJ~$.

Page No. 190 190 191 191

192 192 Hl3 194 194

332IncitE!mEOJI'lt to ,J)isregard MitJiary Orders. Disregard of PttmlbltrOfiS ,Pmtectlng Spealfied MiJitary 333

334
335

Zonesw Qbjeom falsifiQatioo ,(j)r~tM'e$ibn of Ge~

lnstructioos

Orders 'M

FailutS to f~rt Ctitm!tS Agatnst the Oefence foroosana S'tMdhes Of ,MtlUary Obligatlo;tla

336 331
,

Disclo:sUreiQ1 MilttarySootets. false or 1Mdel'1tl1ousj,nfottTIatioo. 'section Ul...Common iPtomious AggravatiOfiof Punishment in CaU$of .$tate ,of
Emergency ot W:ar Cti~s C<OimmiitteDlor Gall'!!

m
339

Hffi 196

CHAPTER m APf'UCA11ON Of AfmCt.ES ~3371l0 THe iPOUCf! 340 Princip1eot Appl~tioo 3415pecia1 Clt\Cum~~ The~IICa1k>n of the p(O~ R&gardiJ'lg Pwj,~ 342 Se,rvan1s00 the POflOe TITLE IV CAJMES AGAW$1 THE F$CAl AHOECOHO:1\tltC 'HTt!RESTS OFtHt! STATE CHAPrIA , 343 .344 GENERAL PROV~ Crimes Committed In Br~ M ~Le9i$1ation> Kind arnj..E.xtentof Pen~,

~96 1'96 un

197 198

_,~~,rl"'li1ftl Q.~_.~t
1i!le
Q;

Article fHie
, Collateral Penaitles Relating to Tfixet! and ow@s; -19

345

CHAF'TER ii SPECIAL PROViSIONS 346 347 348 34{) 350 351 352 353 354 Illicit Traffic in Gaia! Cui'ten&:ies 01' Fare/tin ~1d;;haHg~1 it) 200 200 2[11 201 202

IlliCit fraffic in PfeGlljus Mifil!$faiit

Deiiling I!tfitlaft~erlng ti1f:j Or@t'Jltof ti1~SJiitel Financ@;

Unlawful Me/usal tel Pay Pbjfjjjti faxes tif lJut'!s.

friditerrn,'mt!Q FtehiMI te pay T!4xes; Ehttilfigeflftg $oUfoes of RevsrWe, G!i1ntratJafia, bmnes agaihSt the Natidria:1 Economy and State MontJj?J6iies; Aggfff\iati~n to the GriMa; 1/11../5 V CFUMeS A~AIN9fetJF1RENcils,
.

203 204
20S

B()NbS ORSSOURITV OOCUM!Nfs,O.FFIOIAb SEAbS, sf AI\IIPgOff INSfRUMENTS

af:lApTER I

t10VEi~NMENt

C}QUNfERFlElf CURRENOY, IONb OR SIEGl/Rjfy

355 356 357 35s 359

~enefB'jProvisioh Making. Forgery. D~tJaihg.

oOOtJI\llEiNf$ (jonceffiili!1 JUfidlGaJ Person

2Q6 206 207 207 201 20'7 29~ 208

Trustor Off~r; 300 Pre'Sumpf~-6f'IH~nttO.Utfer. ~1 Uttef'O'g, 3:;! Petty CaHS,

IhiPortation Ilfbtport~tlcii1i A~i1fsifIQn I Aa~fjtiifj/j in

498 Article
I

Criminal
'

Code

No.

Article Title
I

Page
I

No.

CHAPTER II FALSIFICATION OF OFFICIAL SEALS, STAMPS, MARKS, WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 363 364 365 366 367 368 Falsification or Improper use of the Seals of the State, Falsification and Improper' use of other Public or Private Seals. Falsification of Official Marks. Falsification of Official Stamps of Value. Falsification of Weights and Measures. Importation, Exportation, Purchase, Acceptance in Trust and Offer CHAPTER III COMMON PROVISIONS 369 370 371 372 373 374 Counterfeiting without intent to defraud. Endangering of the Currency, Bonds or Security Documents, or Official Marks, Stamps or Seals. Machinery and Means of Falsification. Mitigating Circumstances. Special Aggravating Circumstances. Protection-of the Interests of Foreign States. BOOK IV. CRIMES AGAINST THE PUBLIC. INTEREST OR THE COMMUNITY TITLE I BREACHES OF PUBLIC CONFIDENCE CHAPTER I Falsification, ForgeryAl)d Suppression Of Instruments Material Forgery. Intangible Forgery. Specified Cases. Use of Forged Instruments. 211 212 213 213 214 214 208 209 209 210 210 211

37.5 376 377 378

215 216 216 216

Criminal Code
A~~le
I

499
p~~.e
I
I

ArticleTitle
I

379 380 381 382 383 384

Forgery or Falsification of Public or Military Documents. Suppression of Instruments. Suppression of Public or Military Documents.
Falsification or Suppression or Negotiable Securities True or Certified Falsification Copies. Tickets. of Commercial . Instruments

216 217 218 218 219 219

and use of False Public Transport

CHAPTER FORGERY

II

OF CERTIFICATES

385 386 387 388 389 390

Forged Certificates. Fraudulent Procurement of False Official Certification.

220 221 221 222 222 223

Issuing False Medical Certificate. Concurrent Crimes. and Entries.

False Declaration Instruments

and Means of Falsification.

CHAPTER III FALSIFICATION OF GOODS 391 392 393 394 395 Falsification and Adulteration. Uttering. Importation, Exportation, Acquisition and Storing of Goods. Aggravation and Collateral Penalties. Falsification and Adulteration Injurious to Health. TITLE II 223 224 224 224 225

, BREACH
396 397 398 399
Breaches Breaches Authorized

OF SECRECY AGAINST PUBLIC INTEREST

of Military Secrecy. of Official Secrecy. Disclosure. Secrecy.

225 227 227 227

Breaches of Professional

100 ~ffl~Ur
Np.
400 c'Auttl~'fi~~(j'~i~qiqYf~,

Qfimirull e@a~ ..,.",0.;,

'--''''U

At1jg!~ TitI~
",.c. -..n'~, ' ~,-~..,> '"

"'~"'"

401

Di::w'qyrf;!gf I;\si!:mtifig!'!1gYlfl~! Qf Tr1;\g~~rl?t,

~~~ li}g~

TITh~ III QAIMI; M~~.AltUn~Y~61~ QFf!I~t;

9HAPTI;R
402 403 404 205
406 I,

~!;~!;RA6 P~~VI~!(:mi
Pf?fioi~i9n. Presympt!9f1 Qf 'n.t~Rt \Q {:)p\f!in ~g~!1\~Q@ qr t9 '!1jyre,. Prin(.}ip'~ The g~!1~4rr~!1t AppHcQli9t1~f Aqminitf\HY~P~F\q\\ilil and QQffiP!:1I1%i'ltiQI1 Exeffipti9n frern PrqEcytiql1.

2~~ ?$1 g~1 $~3 233

9HA~'I't;R H Q~IMJ:~ QqMMITI~~ E,I"( PU~bIQ ~~fWANT~

A.~AINi~T PUeU,,!@ qf,tFIQ 3~f~"11!i ~t~~h qf TI'y.~t~t1~ ~PQg f1~itl1 Abuse of P9wer
Qo.rrupt ~raoUoe.s ACoeplaJWie of Ul19Ye Mvaotages Qonupt[o.p Qommitte9 t;lyAxbi!xators. am:! qUlH Per9gn.~ Ma!l;Igrni,oistra\iqO Unlawful Disposal of Objeot in Qharge Appropriation and MisapP(9priJlti9n in the Di$9har9~ . of Dutie$' Traffic in Offi9iallnfluenc~ III~gal Collection or Di$bur$~mEmt Undu~ Delay of Matt~rs Taking Things of Value without or with Inadequat~ Consideration Granting and Approving License Improperly. S~C?l!(:mI~"Q9fnu~tiQI1 9f!!1l~

Q.~mm.iH~.9I?v f\ygU~
234 235 23.6 2;37 2~7 239 240 241 242 243 244 244

407 408 409 410 411 412 413

414 415 416 I 417

I 418

, No.

Artide.
419

Crimina' Code
ArUc:JeTn.. Prpperty QfOO~~J,

501 P'a~ No.

245

,PO$~$$iQn OFU~*plai~

SectiQn If.~ Crimes CQ-mmittecd in Br~ DItties

420 Crfm~ CPI'fll'1'tftted if1iPefeliictj.oo of Dmy
I

246 24() 245 247 247 248 249

r ,

421 422 423 424 425 426

Unfawf~r StriKing. ,Unlawful

ArrE).&t Qf Detention..

Abu$e of the Right of Search Of SeizurE).. Use Qf lmproper Methods. Unlq;wffi~~$e' afJfJiAidfr19 to E&-Cape. Release of Prisoners of War. or fiAjlitaryIntemeasang

Aiding to I;scape
CHAPTER JU

pu:auc OFFICI;aY THfRJi) PARnES $ectwn I.- Crimes of CQrrupti~ CQfflmiUed b>v
Tlmrd PQ>r1Je;$ in Conp,c~tiQn witbPublit4 Office 249 251

CRIMSS AGA~

427 428
429 430 431

SQHciting pf Corrupt Giving Th:in~sQf CQn$iqerati.qn.

practiC'e$.

Value W)(floot .~ Wjt;, ffra<feqt1tiie

Acti!R!} .a$a ~~bebv~. U$~ ~ Protefld~ At:Ith~jfy.

Tfaff~ jn:PlIiYii-teJ:mJ!:.Ielnce.

2.9! 251 252

-..

S~Q."

..- ICn~

.~~
432 433

~e ~r~~ee

CornmiU.ftlbv 'fJ);i,d PMUes 9tP~bfijc~. 252 ~.~ ofa 2>3

29~

Contempt Qf ~ffiia1 O()f:if;esan<t pr~ma~n$. J:1JiI?J!J,~i~!ty WithC9u,fQf ~Y9l1~ ~ E~9

u.c;::Em$.$".

4341~r::ct~.~ ~fi~Ru'~~ C9m;:c~mj.~ C9m;pul,s.O'ty I ,R~gL$t;fi:l;~. ~~,~ Pf.gfJjb:i,t~ t9 PMb1.~h Off,iQ~ ~~~p, or 435. Docurn~nt,s.

254 254

436

Arbitrary ACfian

502 icle o.
437 438 439 440 441 442

Criminal Code
Article Title Usurpation of Powers. Obstruction of Government Functions and Breaches of the Duty to Co-operate. Breaking of Seals and Misappropriation of Objects. Resisting Authority. Violence and Coercion Collective Action TITLE IV CRIME AGAINST THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE CHAPTER 1 CRIMES AGAINST JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS Page No. 255 255 255 256 257 257

443 444 445 446 447 448 449 450 451

Failure to Report a Crimes Crimes against Whistleblowers or Witnesses. Harboring and Aiding. Misleading Justice. False Denunciation or Accusation. Refusal to Aid Justice. Contempt of Court. Breach of Secrecy of Proceedings. Publication of Inaccurate or Forbidden Reports of Proceedings CHAPTER II PERJURY AND'COGNATE CRIMES

258 258 259 259 259 260 261 262 262

452 453 454 455 456 457 458

False Statements by a Party. False Testimony, Opinion or Translation. Correction. or Withdrawal. Provocation and Suborning. Misrepresentation in Proceedings. Tendentious Publications intended to pervert the Course of Justice. Betrayal of Interests.

263 264 265 265 266 267 267

Criminal

Code

503
Page No.

Article Title CHAPTER III CRIMES AGAINST EXECUTION OF SENTENCE' 459 f 460 461 462 463 464 46Q Non-observance of SecQndary Penalties and Preventive Measures. Obstruction of Execution of Sentence. Escape of Prisoner. Procuring of, and aiding to, Escape. Escape of Prisoners of War and Military Internees and Aiding them to Escape Mutiny of Prisoners. Breaking of Bounds.

268 269 269 269 270 270 271

TITLE V CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC ELECTIONS AND VOTING ~466 ~467 468 ~469 470 471 472 473 474 475 476 Disturbance and Prevention of Electoral Meetings and Proceedings Interference with the Exercise of the Right of Voting or Election. Corrupt Electoral Practices. Unfair Practices. Fraudulent Registration. Fraudulent Elections. Concurrence of Crimes. Breach of Secrecy..of the Ballot. Removal or Destruction of Ballot PaPE:rsor Boxes. Additional Penalties. Aggravating Circumstances. 272 272 273 273 274 275 276 276 276 277 277

5CN

Crimil1a~C:ode
Article' Title Page
~

No.

TrJiLE\IF
CRIMES; A~AlNST PUB1LIC SECURm~PEACE TRNJQUWfT:V CHAPTER! Ii CJ;UMES:AG'JUNST PUBLIC SECURJiTY SEC110N' L~CRIME.S CA,ILCUlAliE.D Of{ liKELY TO PROVOKE THE COMMISSION: OF OTHER CRIMES 477 :Dangerous "'a@ra:nc~, 277 278 279 281 281 478Coospiracy. AND

479
480' 48\1

: Harbouring. and Assistimgof Evit-dbers.

Pubtic Provocation to)or Detenc,e. of a Crime. Prohibiled Traffic in Arros.

Section If.~. Crimes Calculated or likely to Provoke

F,)ubJiC'DiS'Wrb.ances. 482' ! 483 4.84
4.aS
.

:Fo~~atld Mee:t~n.g~.. .SecreJt Societies atld Armed: Bands. .Forbidde:n Assernbjj'es~

283 283 284 285 28= 286 286: 287

Atarttlmg tne Public.

I'nciting,flite Pubic th;r,oogb:False RuI!'lro\i81s. . Sedlfol!Js: Demonstratiolils.

486

48'1

488
439

Riioti~g.

'Leniency', SubmiSsion. CIrtAP'JER tf CRIMESAGAINSTPUBUC. PEACE .AND TRA1fQUtUTY DistUrbances o:fMeetings o:r Assemblies. .Oi$tmbancesResulting lirom Acts C.o.m.mitted.'loa State : of Crilpab'letrr.esponsibility
.'

490' ~

281 288 289 289

492
493

Outrage on Re&gioos Peace and Feeling..

Outrage an,too Repose:and Dtgnityof the Dead~

'.

Criminal Code

Arlicle
No.

Article Title

505 Page No.

TITLE VII CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC SAFETY AND THE SECURITY OF COMMUNICATIONS CHAPTER' CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC SAFETY 494 495 496 497 498 499 500 501 502. 503 504
Arson. Provocation of Natural Disaster. or Protective Works.

290 291 291 291 291

Inflammable or of

Damage to Installations Explosions.

Crimes Resulting from Negligence. Danger caused by the use of Explosive, Poisonous Substances

292 293 294 294 295 295

Illicit Making, Acquisition, Concealment or Transport Explosive, Inflammable or Poisonous Substances. Culpable Infringement of Building Rules. Omission

Removal or Culpable or Devices Reserved Cases.

of Protective Apparatus

Failure to Give Warning

of Grave Public Danger.

CHAPTER CRIMES AGAINST SECURITY

II AND

THE FREEDOM

OF COMMUNICATtONS of Public Interest. or

505 506 507 508 509 510 511 512 513

Damage to Services and Instaltations Grave Endang.ering Transport . Unlawful or Sabotage

296 297 298 299 300 300 301 302 303

of Communications

Seizure or Control of an Aircraft.

Endangering Fixed Platform on a Continentali Shelf or an Aircraft or a Ship. Damage to Fixed Platform, an Aircraft or a Ship. Misuse of Signals and Alarms. Unlawful Consignment Grave Cases. Participation of a Juridical Person in a Crime. of Dangerous Goods.

506

Criminal Code
.

~~leJ I

ArticlEftitle
TITLE VIII

p~;.e
I

CRIMES AGAINIST PUBLIC HEALTH. CHAPTER I INFRINGEMENT OF THE GENERAL PROTECTIVE PROVISIONS Section i:- Crimes Committed by Spreading Diseases and Polluting the Environment 514
Spreading Spreading Propagation Contamination Contamination.of Environmental of Human Diseases.
..

303. 304 or Forest Parasite. 305 305 306 306 Wastes and other
.

I
I ,

515 516 517 518 519 520 521 522 523 524

Animal Diseases. of an Agricultural of Water. Pastureland. Pollution.

Mismanagement of Hazardous Materials. Acts Contrary to Environmental Infringement of Preventive

.

306 307 307 308 309

ImpaCt Assessment. Public Health

and Protective

Measures
Creation Participation Section

of Distress or Famine. of a Juridical Person.

11.- Crimes

and Distribution 525 526 527 528

.
I

Committed Through Production of Substances Hazardous to Human and Animal Health

309 309 311

Producing, Making, Trafficking in or Using Poisonous or Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances.

Doping. Manufacture, Adulteration and Sale of Injurious or Damaged Products or Foodstuffs. Manufacture, Adulteration and Sale of Fodder and Products Injurious to Live-Stock. f\.ggravating I Circumstances.

313 314 314

529 530

Participation of a Juridical Person.

Criminal

Code

507
Page No. 314 315 315 315

Article Title 531 532 533 534 Endangering the Health of Another by Alcoholic Beverages or Spirituous Liquors. Endangering by Menta.l Means or Practices. Endangering Aggravated by Philtres, Spells or Similar Means.. Cases

535 536 537

CHAPTER II INFRINGEMENTS OF CURATIVE AND PROTECTIVE PROVISIONS Unlawful Exercise of the Medical or Public-Health Professions, Unlawful Delivery of Poisonous or Dangerous Substances. Refusal to Provide Medical Assistance.

316 317 318

BOOK V
CRIMES AGAINST INDIVIDUALS AND THE FAMILY 'TITLE I CRIMES AGAINST LIFE, PERSON AND HEALTH CHAPTER I CRIMES AGAINST LIFE Section k- Homicide and its Forms 538 539 540 541 542 543 544 Principle.
"

319 319 320 320 321 321 322

Aggravated Homicide. Ordinary Homicide. Extenuated Homicide. Instigating or Aiding an.otherto Commit Suicide. Homicide by Negligence, Infanticide.

Section.- II Crimes against Life Unborn;,A~ortion 545 546 Principle. Abortion Procured by the Pregnant Woman. 323 323

508
Article No.

Criminal Code
;

Article Title

Page

No. 323 324 324 325 325 325

547 548 549 550 551 552

Abortion Procured by Another. .Aggravated Cases. Attempt to Procure an Abortion on a Non-Pregnant Woman. Extenuating Circumstances. Cases where Terminating Pregnancy is Allowed by Law. Procedure of Terminating Pregnancy and the Penalty of Violating the Procedure CHAPTER II CRIMES AGAINST PERSON AND HEALTH

553 554 555 556 557 558 559 560

Principle Grave Wilful Injury Common Wilful Injury Extenuating Circumstances Consequences not Intended by the Criminal Injuries Caused by Negligence Assaults CHAPTER III

326 326 327 327 328 328 328 329

Expert Assessment In Case of Doubtful Cases

CRIMES COMMITTED AGAINST LIFE, PERSON AND HEALTH THROUGH HARMFUL TRADITIONAL PRACTICES 561 562 563 564 565 566 567 Endangering the Lives of Pregnant Women and Children Through Harmful Traditonal Practices Causing Bodily Injury to Pregnant Women and Children Through Harmful Traditonal Practices Discretion of the Court Violence Against a Marriage Partner or a Person Cohabiting in an Irregular Union Female Circumcision Infibulation of the Female Genitalia Bodily Injuries Caused Through Other Harmful Traditional Practices 330 330 331 331 332 332 332

Criminal Code
Article No. 568 569 570 Article Title
Transmission of Disease Through Harmful Traditional Practices Participation in Harmful Traditional Practices Incitement Prohibiting Against the Enforcement of Provisions Harmful Traditional Practices

509 Page No.

332 333 333
.

CHAPTER CRIMES ENDANGERING

IV

LIFE, PERSON OR HEALTH

571 572 573 574 575 576 577 578 579

Exposure

of the Life of Another

333 334 334 335 336 336 337 338

Exposing to Danger through the Violation of Tratfic Regulations Endangering the Human Body Exposure or abandonment of another

Failure to Lend aid to another Maltreatment Brawls Duels Dueling: Challenge. Incitement and Aiding of Minors

338

TITLE" CRIMES AGAINST LIBERTY CHAPTER I CRIMES AGAINST PERSONAL LIBERTY 580 581 582 583 584 585 586 587 588 589 Intimidation. Threat of Accusation or Disgrace. Coercion. Deprivation of Powers .of.Deci~ion. Combination of Crimes. Illegal Restraint. Abduction of Another. Abduction of a Woman. Abduction of an Unconscious or Defenceless Woman. Abduction of a Minor. 340 340 340 .341 341 341 342 342 343 344

510
I A~~lel 590 591 Aggravation

Crimi rial Code

Article Title
to the Crime.

-,

p~;.e
I

344

Substitution of an Infant for Another and Taking Away of an Infant belonging to Another. Failure to Produce a Minor. Ascendants; Aggravated Special Case. Cases.

345 346 346 346 346 347 348 348 349 349

592 593 594 595 596 597 598

.599 600

Political Abduction. Enslavement. Trafficking Unlawful in Women and Children. Sending of Ethiopians for Work Abroad.

Participation of Illegal Associations and Juridical Perspns in Grimes Specified in this Chapter. Default of Supervision or Control.

CHAPTER CRIMES AGAINST

II RIGHTS

OTHER PERSONS'

601 602 603 604 605 606

Restraint Violation Violation Violation

of the Free Exercise of Civil Rights. of the Right of Freedom of Movement. of the RightofF;reec:lom to Work. Areas. or

350 351 351 352 352 353

of Privacy of DOl1'}jQiJeor Restricted

.

Aggravation lothe Crime.

Violation of the Privacy of Correspondence Consignments

TITLE III CRIMES AGAINST HONOUR CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS 607 608 609 610
Principle. Means of Commission. Punishment to be imposed wher~ the Crime is Committed by Juridical Persons Compensation.

354 354 355 355

Criminal Code
No. 611 612
Article Title Immunity. Non- Punishable. Comment and Averments.
CHAPTET II SPECIAL PROVISIONS; INJURVTO HONOUR
.

511 Page No.

355 356

613 614 615 616 617 618 619

Defamation and Calumny

Truthful Assertions and Safeguarding Excepted Insulting Behaviour and Outrage Prov~ctaiQn and Retaliation Withdrawal and Repentance

356 357

of Higher Interest

Special Cases Agmavatingthe Crime Proceedings in Respect of Injury to the Honour of Absent or Deceased Persons

358 358 359 359 360

TITLE IV CRIMES AGAINST M9RAL.S AND THE FAMLV CHAPTER CRIMES.AGAINST Section 620 621 622 623 624 625 626 627 628 Rape Compelling a Man to Sexuallntercourse. Sexual Outrages Accompanied by Violence
Sexual Outrages Sexual Outrages on Unconscious or Deluded Persons,
.

I MORALS

1.- Injury to Sexual Liberty and Chastity

361 362 362 363 363 364 364 365 367

or on Persons Incapable rt Resisting Under Detention

Taking Advantage
.

on Persons in Hospital, Interned or of the Distress or Dependence of a

Woman

Sexual Outrages 01'1Minors between the Ages of Thirteen and Eighteen Years. Sexual Outrages Committed on Infants. the Crime Other Grounds Aggravating

512
Article No.

Criminal Code
Article Title Section 11.-Sexual Deviations Page

No.
367 367 368 369 370

629 630 631 632 633

Homosexual and other Indecent Acts General Aggravation to the Crime HomosexUal and Other Indecent Acts Performed on Minors. Participation of a Juridical P~rson in Sexual Outrages Committed on Minors Sexual Intercourse with an Animal 111.- EXPLOITATION OF THE IMMORALITY OF OTHERS Habitual Exploitation for Pecuniary Gain Traffic in Women and Minors Aggravation to the Crime Organization of Traffic in Women and Minors Criminal Liability of a Juridical Person IV.- CRIMES TENDING TO CORRUPT MORALS Public Indecency and Outrages against Morals Obscene or Indecent Publications Obscene or Indecent Performances Lawful Works Indecent Publicity and Advertisements Protection of Minors Criminal Liability of a Juridical Person CHAPTER II CRIMES AGAINSTTHE FAMILY 1.- CRIMES AGAlNS"F THE INSTITUTION OF MARRIAGE Fraud and Deceit in Marriage Section Solemnizing or Contracting an Unlawful Marriage Early Marriage Section Section

634 635 636 637 638

370 370 371 371 372

639 640 641 642 643 644 645

372 372 373 373 374 374 375

646 647 648

375 376 376

Criminal Code
Article No. 649 650 651 652 653 Article Title Where Solemnization or Conclu$ion of an Unlawful Marriage is n()t Punishable Bigamy Exception Adultery Death of Complainant SECTION 11.- SEXUAL CRIMES BETWEEN RELATIVES 654 655 Incest Indecent Behaviour between Relatives

513
Page No. 376 377 377 377 378

Section 111.CRIMES AGAINST COMPULSORY REGISTRATION AND FAMILY DUTIES 656 657 658 659 Omission to Register the Birth of an Infant or to Report itst Abandonmen False Registration, Supposition and Substitution of Infants Failure to Maintain Failure to bring up CHAPTER III COMMON PROVISIONS 660 661 Concurrence of Crimes Criminal Liability of a Minor BOOK VI CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY
I

379 379 380 380

381 382

TITLE I
CRIMES AGAINST RIGHTS IN PROPERTY CHAPTER I

GENERAL PROVISIONS
662 Principles 382

514

Criminal

Code Page No. 383 383

Article Title 663 664 Presumption of Unlawful or Unjustifiable Enrichment. Proceedings in the Evenfof a Crime within the FaIT,lily CHAPTER II CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY Section 1.- CRIMES AGAINST MOVABLE ROPERTY 665 666 667 668 669 670 671 672 673 674 675 676 677 678 679 680 681 682 683 684 Theft. Abstracting Power Abstraction of Things Jointly Owned Abstraction to the Detriment ofa Deceased Person. . Aggravated Theft Robbery Aggravated Robbery Looting Piracy Special Cases Breach of Trust. Aggravated Breach of Trust Misuse or Waste of State or Public Property Unlawful Use of the Propertyof.Another Misappropriation Misappropriation of Lost Property Misappropriation of Things without Ownefor of Natural Resources Receiving Aggravated Receiving Money Laundering and Aiding. Section 11.-CRIMES AGAINST IMMOVABLE PROPERTY Damage to Property of AnotherCaused by Herds or Flocks Disturbance of Possession

384 385 385 385 386 387 387 388 388 389 389 390 390 391 391 392 392 393 394 394

685 686

396 396

Criminal Code
Article Title 687 688
Disturbance Displacement o.f Ano.ther's Ho.ldings and Remo.val o.f Bo.undary Marks

515 Pag~ No. 397 397

Section

111.- DAMAGE TO PROPERTY

689 690 691

General

Pro.visions Cases
Me<:ins

398 398 399

CHAPTER III

Aggravated
Aggr<:ivated

CRIMES Section 692 693 694 695 696 697 698 699 700 Fraudulent

AGAINST 1.-

RIGHTS IN PROPERTY INVOLVING FRAUD

CRIMES

Misrepresentatio.n

400 400 401 402 402 403 403 404

Exploitatio.no.f Public Stock Exchange Transactio.ns .

Drawing of Cheque witho.ut Cover Fraudulent Manipulatio.no.f

Gamingin Stocks o.rMerchandise

Aggravated Frauclulent Other Crimes Fraudulent

Misrepresentatio.n

Acts Relating to Insurance by Fo.rgery. by Fraudulent Acts o.f Private Interests

Misrepresentatio.n Misrepresentatio.n Credulity Other Fraudulent Mismanagement Aggravated Incitement Case

404 404 406 406 407

701 702 703 704 705

to Speculatio.n Perso.ns to. carry out Prejudicial

Incitement of Incapable Assignments Section

408

11.- Computer

Crimes Services without

706 707

Access, Taking or Using Computer Autho.rization . Causing Damage to. pata

408 409

516
Article No. 708 709 710 711

Criminal Code
..

Article Title Disrupting the Use of Computer Services by an Authorized User Acts Committed to Facilitate the Commission of Computer Crimes Other Crimes Concurrence of Crimes
Section 111.-

Page No... 410 410 410 411

Crimes involving Moral or Material Intimidation 411 411 412 412 TITLE II

712 713 714 715

Usury Extortion Blackmail Aggravated Cases

ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL CRIMES 716 Participation of a Juridical.Person ina Crime CHAPTER I CRIMES AGAINST INTANGIBLE RIGHTS 717 718 719 720 721 722 723 724 Attack on Another's Credit Harmful False Information Unfair Competition Infringement of Marks, Declarations of Origin, Designs or Models Infringement of Rights Relating to Literary, Artistic or Creative Works Right of Complaint Aggravated Cases. Related Sanctions CHAPTER II CRIMES RELATING TO PROCEEDINGS OF DEBT, EXECUTION AND BANKRUPTCY 725 726 Fraudulent Insolvency Irregular Bankruptcy 417 417 413 414 414 415 416 416 416 417 413

Criminal Code
Article No. 727 728 729 730 731 732 733
.

Article Title Fraudulent Bankruptcy

Page No. 418 419 419 420 420 420 421

517 -

Fraud in Execution
Misappropriation or Destruction of Property Subject to Pledge or Uen Misappropriation or Destruction of Property Subject to a Court Order Unjustifiable Preference Purchase of Votes Fraudulent Composition PART III CODE OF PETTY OFFENCES BOOK VII GENERAL PART TITLE I DIRECTIVES GOVERNING LlABLITY TO PUNISHMENT CHAPTER I PEOPLE OF THE LEGAL PROVISIONS

734 735

Reference to General Principles Petty Offences

422 422 422 423 423 424

736 . Application as to Offence Equality before the Law 737 738 739 Application as to Place Foreign Sentences CHAPTER II LlABll.lTY TO PUNISHMENT -740 741 742 743 -744 Punishable Acts and Persons Conditions for Uability to Punishment Measures for Purposes of Clarification JustifICation and Excuses Mistake

424 425 426 426 426

518

Criminal Code
Article Title
.

Page

No;
427

745

Extenuating

and Aggravating Circumstances

TITLE II RULES GOVERNING PENALTIES CHAPTER I PENALITIES AND MEASURES APPLICABLE Section 1.- Principal Penalties 746 747 748 749 750 751 752 753 754 755 Exclusion of Ordinary Criminal Penalties Arrest
Enforcement of Ordinary Arrest
. .'

427 428 428 429

of

Arrest in a Home or an Establishment

" Special Method of Enforcement in case of Members the Defence Forces and Young Offenders

430 430 431

Compulsory

Labour in Substitution Case;

for Arrest

Fine; Ordinary Conversion Recovery

of Fine into Compulsory

.

Labour

432 432 433

Defence' .
Reparation

of Fine; Special Case of Members of the of the Damage

Section

11.- Secondary

Penalties

756 757

Warning Exclusion

and Reproof of Forfeiture of Rights

433 433

758 759 761 762

Guarantee

111.- Safety Measures of Good Conduct Section

433 434 435 435

Confiscation and Forfeiture to the State Prohibition of Undertakings and Suspension of a Work Permit Principal Cases Where Confiscation and Suspension are Applicable Prohibitions and Restrictions'upon Liberty Affecting Persons.

Criminal Code
Article No~
Article Title

519 Page No.

.

Section IV.- MEASURESFOR PURPO~ES OF

763 764 INFORMATION Notice to the Authority Concerned and Publication. Entry into the Register of Judgments. 436 436

765 766 767 768 769; 770

CHAPTERII ENFORCEMENT OF THE PENALTY Exclusion of Suspension and Conditional Release Extenuation of the Penalty Ordinary Aggravation of the Penalty Aggravation in case of Concurrence Aggravation in Case of Recidivism Concurrence and Recidivism
CHAPTER III CONDITIONS FOR INSTITUTING PROCEEDINGS, SUSPENDING AND EXTINGUISHING THE PROSECUTION AND THE PENALTY Prosecution Conditions as to Complaint Limitation Pardon and Amnesty

436 437 437 437 438 438

771 772 773 774

438 439 439 440 440

775

.Reinstatement

'

BOOK VIII SPECIAL PART TITLE I PETTY OFFENCES AGAINST PUBLIC INTERESTS AND THE COMMUNITY CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS
776

General Provisions regarding Petty Offences not expressly covered under this Title

440

520
Article
No.

Criminal Code
-:-

Article Title ..

Page No. 441

777

General Provision regarding Participation of a Juridical Person in Petty Offences wider this Title CHAPTER II PETTY OFFENCES AGAINST STATE OR PUBLIC INTERESTS Section 1.- Petty Offences against Public Crdit and Confidence Refusal of Legal Tender Failure to Report the Possession of Counterfeit Money Use of IllicitWeights and Measures Use of Expired or Falsified Transport Titles

778 779 780 781

782 783

442 442 442

443 443 444

Fraudulent Securing and Use of Degrees and Certificates Unlawful Making of, Trafficking in, and Wearing of, Civilian Decorations and Insignia
-

Section 11.-Petty Offences of 1[1 Fiscal, Administrative or Financial Nature 784 ,)'iolation of Provisions Dealing with Fiscal Rights Violations of Provisions Dealing with IllicitTraffic in Gold, 785/ or Currencies 186 Violation of Provisions on Precious Metals 787 788 789 790 791
Violation of Provisions Regarding Negotiable Instruments Violation of Provisions Conceming Savings and Banks

444
--

445 445 445 446 446 447 447

Violation of Provisions Regarding Lotteries, Gambling and Betting Violation of Provisions on Price Control Violation of Provisions Regarding Organization, and Control of Trades and Professions Exercise

792

CHAPTER III BREACHES OF MILITARY DUTIES AND CONTRAVENTIONS AGAINST THE DEFENCE AND POLICE FORCES Determining Military Contraventions

447

Criminal Code
Article No. 793 794 795 Article Title Military Disciplinary Penalties Contravention's against the Defence Forces Application the Police

521
Page. No. 448 448 448

CHAPTER IV PETTY OFFENCES AGAINST THE DUTIES OF A PUBLIC OFFICE OR A PUBLIC AUTHORITY Section 1.- Petty Offences against the Duties of a Public Office Misuse of Authority in the discharge of a Public Office Misuse of the Right of Constraint Lack of Honesty Undue Favouring Careless handing over of Official Papers Cases of Minor Importance; Disciplinary Punishments Section

796 797 798 799 800 801

449 449 449 450 450 450

11.- Petty Offences against a Public Authority 802 i Damage to Official Publications Failure to Make Compulsory Official Statements or 803 Entries 804 Undue Publications 805 806 807 Abuse of Right Refusal to Lend Assistance to a Public Authority Refusal to Obey an Injunction CHAPTER V PETTY OFFENCES AGAINST PUBLIC SAFETY, PEACE AND SECURITY Section 1.- Offence against Public Safety 808 809 810 811

451 451 451 452 452 452

Control of Arms and Ammunition

Carrying and Use of Prohibited Arms Control of Aliens Unauthorized Change or Assumption of Another Name

453 453 454 454

522
Article No. Section

Criminal Code
Article Title 11.- Petty Offences against Public Peace, Tranquillity and Orde.r Breaches Against Laws Concerning the Mass Media and Advertisements Alarming Announcements, News or Publications False Alarm Disturbance Blasphemous Observance Measures Causing of Work or Rest of Others or Scandalous Utterances or Attitudes

Page No.

812 813 814 815 816 817 818 819 820 821 822

454 455 455 455 456 456 456 457 457

of Official Holidays againstAlcoholism

Public Scandal while Drunk or IntoxicCl~ed of Inns Performances of Animals and

Supervision

Supervision of Theatrical Entertainments Scandalous Treatment

458 458

Section 111.823 824 825 826 827 828 829

Petty Offences

Petty Offences against Public Security

a.gainst other persons' Safety over Dangerous

459 459. 460 460 460 461

Failure to Exercise Proper Supervision Persons or Animals Control of Traffic at Night Supervision of Buildings

Control of Streets and Public Places Endangering Safety oJ Communications and Dangerous Substances

Control of Fire, Explosive

461

CHAPTER VI PETTY OFFENCES AGAINST PUBLIC HEALTHAND

H.YGIENE;
830 831 832 833 834
...,,' ,. Control of Public Health Clnd Salubrity -.

..

462 462
o"r Stupefied Professions

Control of Toxic Substance~ Rendering

and ?rugs.

another Person Unconscious Beverages

463 464 464

Control of Foodstuffs,

and other Commodities

Regulation of the Medical and Therapeutic and Hospital$'

Criminal Code
Article
NO. 835 836 837 Article Title Failure to Make Compulsory Notifications Failure to AffOrd Attendance Regulation of Burials and Cremations

523
Page No. 465 465 465

rirLE II
PErrY OFFENCES AGAINST PERSONS AND PROPERTY CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS 838 839

General Provision Regarding Petty Offences not

Covered Under this Title General Provision Regarding Participation of a JUridical Person in Petty Offences Under this Title CHAPTER II PErry Section OFFENCES AGAINSr PERSONS 1.- Petty Offences Relating to the Protection of Persons

466 466

840 841 842 843 844

Assault and Minor Acts of Violence

Concealment of a Corpse Petty Offences against Personal Liberty Infringement of the Right to Private Secrecy Slight Petty Offences against Honour

467 467 468 468 468

Section 845 846 847 848

11.- Petty Offences

against

Morality 469 469 469 470

Petty Offences against Decency and Morality Immoral Soliciting and Debauchery Advertising for Debauchery Publicity relating Abortion

524
Article No.

Criminal Code
Article Title CHAPTER III PETTY OFFENCES AGAINST PROPERTY Section 1.Protection of the National Wealth 470 471 Page No.

849 850

Protection of Historical, Artistic and Natural Riches Protection of the Flora and Fauna

Section 11.-Petty Offences against Property 851 852 853 854 855 856 857 Protection of Public and Private Property Petty Theft Pilfering and Gleaning Unjustified Possession of Suspicious Articles Failure to Notify the Competent Authority and Concealment of Property Defacement or Depreciation of Another Person's Property Damage to Public Monuments Section 111.- Petty Offences against Property in General Malicious Injury to Another Person's Interests Filching Fraudulent obtaining of other Benefits Quackery Unauthorized Collections

471 471 472 472 473 473 474

858 859 860 861 862

474 474 ~475 475 475

CHAPTER IV PETTY ECONOMIC, TRADE OR MARITIME OFFENCES Breach of the Provisions Concerning the Keeping of Books and Account Resistance to Compulsory Execution. Violation of Regulations regarding the Merchant Service

863 864 865

476 476 477

.
ProclaD1ation No. 414/2004

THE
The

CRIMINAL
Federal Democratic Ethiopia

CODE
Republic

OF
of

9th of May, 2005 ADDIS ABA}JA

I Proclamatio,n

No.414/2004

THE CRIMINAL CODE OF THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA

PREFACE It is nearly half a century since the 1957 Penal Cade entered into. aperatian. During. this periad, radical palitical, ecanamic and sacial chang.es have taken place in Ethiopia. Among. the majo.r chang.es are the recag.nitian by the ConstitutIon and international ag.reements ratified by Ethiapia of the equality between relig.ions, nations, natianaHties and peaples, the demo.cratic rig.hts and freedams of citizens and residents, human: rights, and most of all, the rig.hts af sacial g.roups like women and children. After all these . phenamena have taken place, it wauld be.. inapprapriate to. allaw the continuance af the enfarcement af the 1949 Penal Cade.

Anather discernible g.ap in the Penal Cade is its failure to. praperly address crimes barn af advances in technalag.y and the camplexities af madern life. The Penal Cade daes nat incarparate crimes such as the hijacking. af aircraft, camputer crimes and maney laundering.. Besides, as reg.ards crimes related to. carruption 6.nd drug.s althaug.h they are nawadays, attracting. attentian bo.th in leg.islatian and fallaw-up nat anly within natianal frontiers but also. an the reg.ianal and internatianal levels, due to. the g.rave crises they

II are causing, the Penal code does not adequately with sUG:hcrimes with the degree of seriousness deserve.
c

deal they

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 thqt the legislature should, by adopting progressive laws at times, educate. and guide the pl1plic to qissociate itself from hqrmful traditional practices.

Another point that should not be overlooked is

Furthermore, it is desirable to aqopt a comprehensiv~ coge by qssempling the various (:riminql provisions published in the NegqritGazeta in q

disintegrClteq manner. Similarly, since the parClUel application, of the regular Penal Code and the Revised

Spec;iClI Penql Code. irt respect ofsimilClr Crnatters disregards equality among citizens, the exjstenc::e 9f CI comprehensive Criminal Code ~ill put an enq t9 such .
C

practice.

In order to eliminate the above~mentioned $,hortcomings j3nd adopt j3c::omprehensive<:riminj31 Code, substantial activities have been undertaken throughout the entire Country. Discussions have been held qn the draft Criminal Code prepared by the
Ministry 9f Justice j3nd the Justice and Legal Sy~tem Research Institute. Legal and medical professionals,

III

psychiatrists, different institutions of higher education and professional associations have made significant contributions through the opinions they gave to the enactment of the law. Representatives of the people selected from different sectors and associations have forwarded important views in discussion forums on the draft laws conducted in Addis Ababa uand the regions.
It is' mainly on the
'

punishments have increased in respect of crimes like rape and aggravated theft. Moreover, the opinions: of legal scholars and the laws and experiences of foreign countries have been consulted to enrich' the content of the Criminal Code. Finally, 'one

basis

of public

opinion

that

unmentioned

is

point

that

must

not

be

left

the

matter

concerning

the

determination' of sentence. Since "it is essential to facilitate the method by which Courts can pass similar punishments on similar cases, some major changes have been made in the provisions of the Code. Provisions of the Penal Code that used to make sent~ncing complicated and diffiCult haVe been amyn'ded. Provisionsh~ve been inserted which enable the Courts to pass the appropriate penalty for each case by carefully examining from the lightest to the most'severe punishment. A sentencing' man'ual will also be issued to ensure and control the correctness and uniformity of sentencing. Another point which 'must be raised in 'connection with the determination of sentence is that the purpose of Criminal Law is to preserve the peace and'security of society.' It protects society by .' preventing the commission of crimes, and a major means of prev~nting the commission of crime is punishment.

IV

Punishment can deter wrongdoers from committing other crimes; it can also serVe as a warning to prospective wrongdoers. Although imprisonment and death are enforced in respect of certain crimes the main objective is temporarily or permanently to prevent wrongdoers from committing further crimes against society. And in such cases with- the exception of the death sentence even criminals sentenced to life imprisonment can be released on parole before serving the whole term; in certain crimes convicts can be released on probation without the pronouncement of sentence or without the enforcement of.the sentence pronounced. This helps wrongdoers to lead a peaceful life and it indicates the major place which the Criminal Law has allocated for their rehabilitation. The fact that wrongdoers, 'instead of being made to suffer while in prison, take vocational training and participate in academic education, which would benefit them upon their release, reaffirms the great concern envisaged by the Criminal Code about the reform of criminals. It must be noted that, by' layin'g down in the Code express provisions concerning these cases, it is intended that Courts should, on passing sentence, take into 'account the purpose of the law a(\d the. different

aims of punishment.

It is hoped that this Criminal Code, which has been revised through all these persistent efforts, will ensure respect for the order, peace and security of the State andqts peoples as well as respett for the rights and freedoms of its citizens and inhabitants. Being ..convinced .that th.is Code. will enable to accelerate the economic progress of the State, that it will strengthen a steady order of free market and that

v
it will, above all, contribute towprds the promotion of a fair judicial system,in our country, pursuant to Article 55 (1) of the' Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia it .is hereby proclaimed as follows:

1. Sh9rt Title:

This Proclamation may b~ cited gS 'The Criminal Code of the Federal Democratic Republic .of Ethiopia 2004."

2.

ReDeal:
The following proclamations: a) the Penal Code of the Empire of Ethiopia
'

1957,and

b) the Revised Special Penal Code of the Provi?iongl Military. Admini?trgtipn COUllcil 1982, Procli3mgtiQn No. 214/1 Ql32,

are hereby
May, 2005.

r(=pegled cis' from

the

9th

of

3.

Special Case: As provided in Article 3 of this Code, nothill9 shall affect the application of special laws ar,d , .

regulations.

."

4.

Eff~~~iv~ Date:

Thi$ Criminal Code as publi$becl in ~a. 13~Jlarate volume of the Federgl Negarit Gi3;z~ta ~nder Proclamation No. 414/2004, shall come into f()rc~ as of the 9th of May 200'5.
DOl1e at Addis Abi;tbi;t, tJ1is 9th~ay of May2QO$.

President

Girma Wolde, Giorgis qf the- F~deraf Democratic

Republic
'.

of EthiopiCi

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PART I
GENERAL PART

aOOKI
CRI.MeS, ANO CRI.MI.NAt.S
TI.TLI;. I.
QRI,MINAL. L.AW ANQ 11'$$COPE

CHAPTE.R

SCOPE OF

TI-U; L.AW

Article. 1,~ Ol?lect and PYJpQ$.e. The glJrpo~e of the Criminal Code elf the Federal. f.)emQ0J'atiqRepyblic QfEthiopia is to en~Yre order, peaqe and the seC:4rityC)fthe $tate, its' PeQpl.es.,and inhabitants for the public good. It aims at the. ~{eMel1tion Qf crimes by giving due notlqe of the cri.me~and. p.enaltie~prescribed by law and should tl:1i$ be ineffective. by providing for the punishment of criminals in order to deter them from cOmmittingan.qth.er" crim,e.and mak,e them a lesson to
others, Or by providrnQ for theIr refOl;rnand measures tq

prevent the' commission of further crimes.

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2 Article 2.Criminal.Code

Principle of Legality.

(1) Criminal law specifies the various crimes, and the penalties and measures applicable to criminals.
(2) The Court may not treat as a crime and punish any act or omission which is not prohibited by law. The Court may not impose penalties or measures other than those prescribed by law.
(3) The Court may not create crimes by analogy. (4) The above provisions shall not prevent the Court from interpreting the law. In cases of doubt the Court shall interpret the law according to its spirit, in accordance with the meaning intended by the legislature so as to achieve the purpose it has in view.

(5) ~obody shall be tried or punished again for the same

crime for which he has been already convicted, punished or subjected to other measures or acquitted by a final decision in accordance with the law.

Article 3.-

Other Penal Legislation.

Nothing in this Code shall affect regulations and special

laws of a criminal nature:
Provided that the general principles embodied in this Code are applicable to those regulations and laws except as otherwise expressly provided therein.

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Criminal Code Article 4.Equality Before .the Law.

Criminal law applies to all alike without discrimination as regards persons, social conditions, race, nation, nationality, social origin, colour, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, property, birth or other status. No difference in treatment -of criminals may be made except as provided by this Code, which are derived from immunities sanctioned by public international and constitutional law, or relate to the gravityot the crime or the degree of guilt, the age, circumstances or special personal characteristics of the criminal, and the social danger which he represents.

CHAPTER

II OF THE LAW

SCOPE OF APPLICATION

Section Article 5.-

1.-

Conditions as to Time

Non-retrospective Effect of Criminal Law.

(1) I.f an act, declared to. be a crime both under the repealed I~lgis!~tion and this Code. wa$ committed prior ~othe ~onilng into force of this Code, it shall be tried in accordance with the repealed law.
(2) An act declared to be a crime under this Code but not und~r the .repealed law and cOrnmitted prior to the coming into force of this Code is not punishable.

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4

criminal Code (3) No act shall be tried or punished where it Was a crime committed under the repealed legislation but is not declared so to be und~r this Code. If prbc~edings have been Instituted they shall be discontinued.

Article 6.-

Exception: Application of the More Favourable Law.

Where the criminal is tried for an earlier crime after the coming into force of this Code, its provisions shall apply if they are more favourable to him than those in force at the time of the commission of the crime. The Court shall decide in each caSe whether, having regard to all the relevant provisions, the new law is in fact more favourable.

Article 7.-

Application as to Measures.

Upon the coming into force of this Code measures prescribed in this Code (Arts. 129-165) shall apply when passing sentence on crimes committed under the repealed law.

Article 8.-

Application as to Periods of Limitation.

(1) Upon thecQming into force of this Code, periods of limitation applicable to the right to prosecute and to enforce a penalty in respect of crimes committed under repealed legislation shall be governed by this Code. However, the time which elapsed prior to the coming into ,force of this Code shall be taken into account.

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Criminal Code

(2) Wherever the provisions of this'Code require official proce~dings to be in~titut~d in.. respect of crimes committed under repealed legislation and which under such legislation could be prosecuted upon private complaint, such right of complaint shall ,be barred. if. not exercised within a period of two years after the coming into force of this Code. Article 9.Enforcement of Judgments passed under Repealed Legislation.

Where a sentence has bee,n.ppssad.in accordance with the repealed legislation its. enforcement shall be governed by the following principles:
. .

(1)

If the Code no longer restrains the act in respect of which the sentence was passed the punishment shall no longer be enforceable or shall forthwith cease to have effect. Where a sentence has been'passed for the breach of a criminal law enacting a prohibition or an obligation limited to a given period of time for special: reasons of a . transitory nature, the expiration of ipe said period
shall not bar the enforcement of the punishment, nor shall the prosecution be barred by such expiration.

(2)

(3) Punishments awarded before or after the coming into force ofthis Code shall be enforced as provided in this Code. This shall also'apply to the recovery of fines, the suspension of sentence and conditional release.

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6

Criminal Code
(4) If a prisoner who is undergoing punishment at the time of the, coming into fprce' of this Code is found guilty ofah earlier crime which remained unknown 'and was punishable by a penalty entailing loss of liberty the Court shall pass.an aggregate sentence in accordance with the provisions relating to concurrent crimes (Art. 186) and shall take into account the provisions regarding the application of the more fa\lotJrable law (Art. 6). The period of imprisonment undergone in pursuance of the earlier judgment ~hall be deducted.

Article 10.-

Application as Reinstatement.

to

Cancellation

and

The cancellation of entries in the judgment register as well as reinstatement in the, case of judgments given under repealed legislation shal! be governed by this Code. Section 11.Sub-section I. Conditions as to' Place Principal Application , ,

Article 11.-

Crimes Committed on Ethiopian Territory:

Normal Case.

(1) This Code shal,l apply to any person whether a

national or afqreigrier who has committed one of the crimes specified in this Code on the territory of Ethiopia.

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Criminal Code

The national territory comprises the land, air and bodies of water, the e~tent of which is determined by the Constitution.

(2) Nothing in the provision of b-article (1) of this Article shall affect.immunities persons enjoying an official status as sanctioned bpublic international law. (3) If the criminal has taken refuge in a foreign country, his extradition shatlbe requested so that he may be tried under Ethiopian Law.

Article 12.-

Special Case: Delegation.

(1) Where a foreigner who has committed a crime in Ethiopia cannot be tried or punished, because he has taken refuge in a foreign country and his extradition cannot be obtained, the Ethiopian. authorities may request that he be tried in the country of refuge. (2) The accused foreigner cannot be retried. in Ethiopia for the same cri'11eif he has been tried and acquitted in the foreign country by a judgment which has become final or if he has been granted pardon or amnesty or if the prosecution or sentenc:e has been

barredby limitation.
(3) Where the criminal
.

has

not

undergone

his

punishment or only undergone part of it in the foreign country, the whole or tHe unexpired part thereof shall be enforced in Ethiopia, ifhe is apprehended and the enforcement of the penalty is not barred by limitation under the provisions of this Code.

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8

Criminal Code
Should the punishments differ as to their nature or form, such punishrrient as is the closest to that imposed in the foreign country shall be enforced.

Article 13.-

Crimes Committed against Ethiopia Outside Its Territory.

This Code shall apply to any person who outside

Ethiopia has committed one of the crimes against the State of Ethiopia, its safety or integrity, itsdnstitutions, essential interests 0'( curren~y as defined in Book III, Title I, Chapter I, and under Title V of this Book (Art. 238 -260 and Art. 355-374),

Arti~le 14.-

Crimes Committed in a Foreign Country by an Ethiopian Enjoying Immunity.

(1)

Subject to the provision of Article 13, this Code shall apply to a member of the Ethiopian diplomatic or consular. service, an Ethiopian official or' agent who 'cannot be prosecuted at the place of commission of .the crirT1e; by virtue of international principles of immunity, where he committed in a foreign country a crime punishable both under the Ethiopian Code and under the. law of the country where it was commi.tted.

(2) Where, according to either the foreign law or this Code, the crime is punishable upon a formal complaint np, proceedings may be instituted where such complaint has not been lodged.

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Criminal Code Article 15.-

Crimes Committed in a Foreign Country by a Member of the Defence Forces.

(1) Where a member of the Ethiopian Defence Forces in

such capacity commits a crime against the ordinary .

raw in a foreign country he shall be subject to the ordinary law and territorialjurisdiction if he is arrested and tried in the country where the crime was committed. rf he has taken refuge in Ethiopia, he shall be tried in accordance with the provision 'Of Article 21(2) of this Code.
(2) rn cases of crimes against iriternational law and specificallymilitSiry crimes as defined in Article 269322, the member of the Defence Forces shall remain subject to national law and be tried under the provisions of this Code by Ethiopian military courts.

Article 16.-

Effect of Foreign Sentences.

(1) Where a criminal who is subject to Ethiopia's principal jurisdiction (Arts. 11,13,14 (1) and 15 (2)) has been sentenced in a foreign country, he may be tried and sentenced again on the same charge in Ethiopia, if he is found in Ethiopia or was extradited to it (2) His discharge or acquittal in a foreign country shall be no bar toa fresh triar or sentence being passed in Ethiopia in accordance with this Code.

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10
Criminal Code

(3) 'Where by reason of the crime committed, the criminal has already been convicted in a foreign country and has undergone the whole ,o~part of the punishment, the Court shall deduct the punishment already undergone from the new sentence to be passed.
-

Sub-section 11.Article 17.-

Subsidiary Application

Crimes Committed Outside Ethiopia Against International Law or Universal Orde'r.

(1)

Any person who has committed outside Ethiopia: ,(a) a crime against international, law or

.intemational

an

crime, specified in Ethiopian legislation, or an iAternational treaty or a convention to which-Ethiopia has adhered; or

(b) a crime against public health or morals specified in Articles 525,599,635,636,640 or 641 of this Code;
shalL be liable; to trial in. Ethiopia in -accordance with the provisions of this Cod~ and subject to the

general conditions mentioned hereinafter (Arts. 19 and 20(2)) unless a final judgment has been given after being prosecuted in the foreign country.
-

(2) Nothing in this Article shall affect the provisions of Articles 14and 15(2).

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Criminal Code
Article 18.-

11

Other Crimes Committed Outside Ethiopia.

(1) This Code shall also apply to any person who has committed a crime outside Ethiopia against an Ethiopian national or to any Ethiopian national who has commiUed outside. Ethiopia a crime of another kind than those specified in the foregoing Articles, if the criminalwas not tried in the foreign country for the crime, provided that: (a) the acUo be tried is prohibited by the law of the State where it was committed and by Ethiopian . law; and
(b) it is of .sufficient gr~vity. undefthe . . . .latter law to

justify extradition.

(2) In the case of all other crimes committed outside Ethiopia"bya foreign national, toe criminal shal~,save as otherwise expressly provided, failing extradition, be prosecuted and tri~d only if the crime is punishable under E;thiopian law with death or with rigorous imprisonment for not less than ten years. Article 19.(1)

Conditions for Subsidiary Application.

. .

This Code.s_~all!iPpJY where:

(a) the complaint by the victimor his dependants . was lodged-when it is a condition for prosecution under the law of the. piace of commission of the crime or under Ethiopian.law; (b) the criminal is within the territory of Ethiopia and has not been extradited, or extradition to Ethiopia was. obtained by reason of the crime
cOn;lrt;\itted;and

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12 Criminal Code

the crime was not legally pardoned in the country of commission and that prosecution is not barred either under the law of the country where the crime was committed or under Ethiopian law. (2) The conditions specified under sub-article 1 (a) and (c) of this Article need not necessarily be satisfied as regards the kinds of crimes provided for under Article . 17 and 18(2) of this Code. (3) The prosecution shall consult with the Minister of Justice before instituting proceedings. (4) In case of disparity between tlie punishments prescribed under this Code and the law of the country of commission, the punishment to be imposed shall be the one. which is more favourable to the accused.

(c)

Article 20.-

Effect of Foreign Sentences.

(1) In all cases where Ethiopian courts have a subsidiary jurisdiction only (Arts. 15(1), 17 and 18), the criminal cannot be tried and sentenced in Ethiopia if he was regularly acquitted or discharged for the same act in a foreign country. (2) If the criminal was tried and sentenced in a foreign c()untry but did not undergo h.is punishment, or served only part of it in the said country, the punishment, or the remaining part thereof, may be enforced according to the forms prescribed by this' Code, if it is not barred by limitation under this Code or the law of the country of commission. The provisions of Article 12 (3) shall apply mutatis mutandis to this Article.

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Criminal Code
Sub-section ~II.-

13

General Pro.visions

Article 21.-

- Extradition.

(1) Any foreigner who commits an ordinary crime outside the territory of Ethiopia and who takes refuge in Ethiopia may be extradited in accordance with the provisions of the law, treaties or international custom; extradition . shall be granted on the application made in proper form by the State where the. crime was committed for the purpose of trial under the territorial law when the qrime does not directly and principally concern the Ethiopian State (Art. 13). (2) No Ethiopian national having that status at the time of the commission of the crime or at the time of the request for his extradition may be handed over 10 a foreign country. However, he shall be. tried by Ethiopian courts under Ethiopian law.

(3) In all cases where a crime raises a question of extradition the request shall be dealt with in accordance with Ethiopian Law and existing treaties. Article 22.Recognition .of foreign Sentences. (1) Foreign criminal sentences may be taken into account as regards antecedents and aggravating circumstances, the granting or revocation of an order for conditional. release, recidivism and its punishment, the enforcement of safety measures, incapacities and forfeitures, conditions as to reinstatement, as well a,.scompensation, restoration of. prop~rty and other civil..effects and all other legal consequences provided by this Code.

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14 Criminal Code (2) The foreign sentence shall not be recogn'ized unless passed by an ordinary Court and not by a special tribunal for a crime punisHab'le under this Code and its validity has b~en recognized by the appropriate Ethiopian authoriN.
'Such recogni~oli may be made on the basis of a certified extract ff~m the judgment register of the criminal orof the juCjgment pronounced or by means of an official attestation delivered by the judicial or executive foreign aut~Q!ity, or hi any other reliable . manne~

TITLE II THE CRIME AND ITS COMMISSiON

CHAPTER I THE CRIME

Article 23.-

Crimes.

(1) A crime is an act which is prohibited and made punishable by law. In this Code, anactconsists of the ,commission of what is prohibited or the omission of what is
presc-ribed by law.

(2) A crime is only completed when all its legal, material

and moral ingredientsare present.

(3)

'.

Notwithstanding the provision of sub"'artic:le (2) of this Article, a juridical person shall be criminally liable to punishment under the conditions laid down in Article 34 of this Code.

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Criminal ,Code

15

(4) A crime is punishable where the Court has found the crime proved and deserving of punishment.
Article 24.-

Relationship , of Cause ~dEffect.

4.

(1) In all cases where the commission of a crime requires the achievement of a given result, the crime shall not be deemed to have beencomrhitted unless the result achieved is the consequence of the act or omission with which the accused person is charged. This relationship of cause and effect shall be presQmed to exist when the.act within the provisions of tlie law would, in the normal 'course of things, produce the result charged.
(2) Where there are preceding, concurrent or intervening causes, whether due to the act of a.third party or to a natural or fortuitous event, which are extraneous to the act of the accused, this relationship of cause and effect shall cease to exist when the extraneous cause in itself produced the result.
.
.'

If, in such a case, the act -with which the

accused person is charged in itself constitutes a crime he. shall be liable' to the punishment specified for such a crime.

(3) Relationship of cause. and effect shall b~ presumed to exist between each cause specified under subarticle (2) above and the result achieved, when the result is the cumulative effect of these causes, even though each cause cannot independently produce the result.

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16

Criminal Code Place and Time of the Crime.

Article 25.-

(1) A crime is committed at the place where and at the

time when. the criminal perfOrmed or failed to perform the act penalized by criminal law. An attempt is committed at th~. place where and at the time when the criminal performed or failed to perform the prel!minary acts which Gonstitute such an attempt. (2) With regard to non-instantaneous crimes where the act and the criminal result do not coincide the crime is deemed to have been committed both at the place of the unlawful act and that of its result.

Similarly, ao attempt is deemed to have been committed both at the place where the criminal attempted the crime and the place h~intended the result to be produced.
For purposes of prosec,ution, the jurisdiction the place where the result was achieved subsidiary to that of the place of commission. of is

(3) When a combination or repetition of criminal acts is an element of an ordinary or. aggravated crime as provided under Article 61, or when the act is pursued over a period of time, the place where and the time when the crime is committed shall be the place where and the time when one of the.combined or repeated acts or part of the acts pursued is committed.

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CHAPTER II DEGREES IN THE COMIVIISSION OF THE CRIME Article 26.'"

Pteparatory Acts.

Acts which are cornmitted to prepare or make

possible a crime,particulatly by procuring the rneans or t:reating the conditions for its commission are not usually punishable; however, such. acts are punishable Where: (a) ihthernselves they COhstitutea crime defir)ec;t by law; or (b) they expressly constitute.aspecial crime by law owing to their . gravity or the general danger they

entail.

Article 27...

Attempt

(1) Whoever intentionally begins to commita crime and does not pursue or is unable to pursue his criminal actiVityto its end, or who pursues his criminal activity to its end without achieving the result necessary for the completion of th~ crime shall be. guilty of ari attempt. The crime is deemed to be begun when the act perlqrmed clearly aims, by way of direct consequence, at its commission. (2) An attempted crime is always punishable save as is . otherwise provided by law.

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18 Criminal Code

A mere attempt to instigate or assist in a crime does not come within the provisions of the law unless it is expressly provided to the contrary.

(3) Without prejudice to the provisions of Article 117, in the case of an attempted crime the criminal is liable to the punishment attaching to the crime he intended

to commit:

'

Provided that if circumstances so justify the Court may reduce the punishment within the limits provided bylaw (Art. 179).
Article 28.Renunciation. and Active. Repentance.

(1) If a criminal of his own free will renounces the pursuit qfhis criminal activity the Court. shall reduce the punishment within the limits provided by law (Art. 179) or without restriction (Art. 180) if circumstances so justify. No punishment shall, be imposed if the renunciation was prompted by reasons of honesty or hjgh motives.
(2) 'If'a criminal, having completed his.criminal activity, of his own freewill prevents, or contributes to prevent the ""consequent' result, the Court' shall without restriction reduce the punishment (Art. 180).

(3) This Article shall 'also .apply to .an instigator or an accomplice (Arts. 36 and 37) who of his own free will renounced the pursuit of his criminal activity or has done everything incumbent upon him to prevent the commission of the crime.

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CriminatCode Article 29.Crime Impossible of Completion.

19

When a criminal has attempted to commit a crime by means or against an object of such nature that the commission of the crime was absolutely impossible, the Courtshall,without restriction, reduce the punishment (Art. 180). No punishment shall be imposed when the criminal, from superstition or owing to the simplicity of his mind acted by using means or processes which could in no case have a harmful effect The above provisions of this Article shall similarly apply to an instigator or an accomplice.

Article 30..;

Special Case of Attempt.

When the acts done in an attempt to commit a crime in themselves constitute a separate crime the punishment attaching thereto. shall be applied.

Article 31.-

Discretionary Power of the Court.

In determining the punishment to be imposed or, where apprppriate, in reducing it within the limits allowed by law, or, in special cases, in imposing no punishment where an attempt was abandoned or failed, the Court shall take into account all relevant circumstances. It shall in particular, take into consideration the stage reached in the carrying out of the attempt and the danger it represented, the reasons for which it failed, the motives which prompted the renunciation or the active repentance of the criminal, as well as his antecedents and the danger he represents to society.

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CHAPTE.R III

PARTICIPATION
Article 32...

IN THe COMMI$$ION

OF A QRIIVle

Prin(i)ipal Criminal.
i:l

(1) An B~~$Q!1l:l.hJl p~ r~QgrQ~g

crim~ g$ g pringipi:ll q~imini:ll <inQ.plmi$h~g i:l $ugh if: (i:l) h~. gctu.~lIy Qqmmit$ tl1~ crim~ aith~r qIregt\yqr indirectly, in particularb,y mean$ o.f gn anim~1 o.r a naturCJJ fqrea; qr

h~v'in9 qqmmitt~Q a

(b)

ha withgyt p~rt()rmjng the c:rimint;il agt it$elf fully asso.ciates himsalf with the commission o.f the crime and the intended result; o.r ha emplo.ys an infant o.r a parso.n who. Is mentally deficient o.r unaware of the circumstances, far the co.mmis$io.n o.f a crime or co.mpals t;ino.ther parso.n to co.mmit a crima. go.es beyqnq the st\alt be tried in

(c)

(2)
.

Wher.e the crime committee( intentietlo.f the criminal n~ a000rdance. with Article 58(3).

(3) Wha.r~ tWo. or mare perso.ns ar~ inVQlved as prin~pt;il criminals in. the comm.issi.on o.t a. c:rirne, ~ach sha.l\ be Hable to. the punishment attaching th~reto.
The Co.urt. shall take into. acco.unt the provisio.ns
.

go.verning the effec~ qf Persqtjlal c:irCl,lm$tance$ (Art. 41) (;lAg th9~~ g.overning th~ awarq af punishment apcqrding to. thedegree o.f individual guIlt (Art. ~8).

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Article 33.-

21

Participation in Cases of Special Crimes.

An accused person may be prosecuted as a principal crimina'i when, by his acts, he fully participated with knowledge and inte'1t in the commission of a crime which can be cbmmit~ed only by certain specified persons, in particular 'by a member of the Defence Forces in the case of military crimes, or by a public servant in respect of crimes against public office, or only by a male person in the case of rape. Article 34.Participation Crime. ofa Juridical Person in a

(1) ,A juridical person other than, the administrative bodies of the State is punishable as a principal criminal, an instigator or an accomplice where it is

~~pressly proviq~d by law.

A juridical person shalt be d~emed to have ,oornmitted a crime and punished as such where one of its officials or -employees comrn1tiicrime as a principal criminal, an instigator or an accomplice in connection with the activity of the juridical person with the intent of promoting its interest by an unlawful

m~ans or QY violatingits I~galduty or by undulyusing

thE;! jyridicalp~rs()n as am~ans.
, ,

~
',' ".

I,

. 't ' " ' :' ': "

(2) The Juridical person ispunishabl~ wHr fine under sub-article (3) or sub-article (4) of Articl.e 90 of this Code; ancj, where necessary, an additional penalty may be .imposedto suspend, close Qr .vvind up the juridical person.

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22 Criminal Code

(3) The punishment of the juridical person shall not exclude the penalty to be imposed on its officials or employees for their p~rsonar crimina'i guilt. (4) For the purpose of this Article "juridical person" means a body which has governmental or nongovernmental, public or private structure and i.(1cludes any legally. recognized institution or association'set up for commercial,industrial, political, religious or any other purpose.
Article 35.Collective Crimes.

Where two or more persons commit a crime in concert, the person who is proved to have t~ken no part in .the commission of the crime shall not be punished. However, where a crime such as conspiracy or brawl is committed by a group of persons, the person whose presence in the group is proved shall be exempt from punishment. only if he proves that he has taken no part hthe commi8sionof.the crime.
Article 36.-

. Incitement.

(1) Whoever intentionally induces another' person whether by persuasion, promises, money, gifts, and threats or otherwise to commit a crime shall be regarded as guilty of having incited the commission

of the crime.

(2) The person whoeincited the commission of a crime shall be liable to punishment provided the crime was at least attempted.

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23

(3) 'The punishment to be. imposed shall be that provided by law for the. intended crime. It may be reduced within the limits specified by law if the circumstances .

of the case justify such a reduction (Art. 179).

(4)

When the person who committed the crime went beyond what was intended by the instigator, the latter shall be liable to punishment only for the crime he intended or could foresee (Art. 58(3)). The actual criminal shall alone be answerable for the more serious crime which he com'1litt.ed.

Article 37.(1)

Accomplice. An accomplice is a person who intentiona.lly assists a principal criminal either before or during the carrying out of the criminal design, whether by information, advice, supply of rneansor material aid or assistance of any kind whatsoever in >the commission of a crime.

(2,) An. accomplice in an intentional crime shall always be liable to puni.shment. (3) The~accorriplice shall be liable to punishment provided the crime was at least attempted. (4) The punishment to be imposed shall be the punishment for the crime in so far as;such crime does not go beyond the. accomplice's if'!tention (Art. 58(3)). The. Court may, taking into account the circumstances of the case, reduce the punishment in respect to an accomplice within the limits specified by law (Art. 179). '
"

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24
(5)

Criminal Code
When the person who committed the crime went beyond' what was intended by the accomplice the latter shall be liable to punishment only for the crime he intended or could foresee (Art. 58(3). The actual criminal shall alone be answerable for the more serious crime which he committed.

Article 38.(1)

Criminal' Conspiracy.

'

Where two or more persons enter into an agreement to commit a crime the provisions regarding participation and aggravation of punishment due 'to the above-mentioned circumstances are applicable . . (Art' 84( 1)(d)).

(2) The foregoing provision shall. however, not affect the provisions contained in the Special.Part of this Code relating to conspiracies aga,instthe essential interests of the State and its defence. the forming of unlawful associations' and the partrcipation therein, as well "'8 to the organization of gangs or associations of wrongdqers (Art. 257, ~74, 309 and 478). ,.

Article 39.-

Failure to Report.

(1) Failure to report the preparation, attempt or commission of a crime or of the person who committed the crime, shall not be liable to punishment as an act of an accessory after the fact or an a,ccompliceexcewt in the cases expressly provided py law (Art. 254 a,nd 335).

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25

(2) The provisions regarding the failure to report to the authorities in the cases specified under Article 443 shall apply. (3) The above-mentioned obligations are to be construed in a restricted manner. Article 40.Accessory After the Fact.

Whoever after a crime has been committed assists a criminal either by hiding him or helping him to escape prosecution or punishment or by. receiving the proceeds of his crime, shall be punished in accordance with the provisions of theSpecia! Part of this Code dealing with such acts (Arts. 445,460 and 682)

Article 41.-

Non-transmissibility Circumstances.

of

Personal

In case of participation whether as principal or secondary participant in a crime, each of the participants shall be punished for his own act, according to the extent of his participation, his degree of guilt and the danger which his act and his person represent to society.
.

Special circumstances

or personal incidents or

relationships which have the effect of excluding punishment or justify its reduction or increase are not transmissible to another person. They operate to the benefit or the detriment solely of the person to whom they attach.

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26 Criminal Code

CHAPTER PARTICIPATION

IV

IN CRIMES RELATING TO THE MASS MEDIA

Article 42.(1)

Principle.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Articles 32-41, the provisions of this Chapter shall apply in the case of crimes relating to the mass media with a view to ensuring freedom. of expression while preventing

abuse.
(2)

Crimes relating to the mass media are those which are committed by means of newspapers, books, leaflets, journals, posters, pictures, cinemas, radio or television broadcasting or any other means of mass media. The crimes may be committed against the honour of other persons, public or private safety or any other legal right protected by criminal law, and are committed. where communication is made to the public through the mass media.

(3)

Article 43.-

Liability for Crimes Committed Mass Media.

through the

(1)

Criminal liability for crimes perio~icals shall be as follows: (a)

committed

through

a person who was registered as editor in chief or deputy editor when the periodical was published shall be liable;

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27

(b)

if no license existed when- the periodical was published or if the editor-in-chief liable under sub-article (1)(a)was no longer qualified or has otherwise ceased to function as editor-in-chief the publisher shall be liable; .

(c) the publisher shall likewise be liable in cases in . which the editor-in -chief was appointed merely for the sake' of appearance, or was otherwise manifestly not in a position of exercising his powers at the time the periodical wa.spublished; (d) if a deputy acting as chief editor was not longer qualified at the time the periodical was published, or if his. appointment had otherwise expired, or if he is unable to exercise his powers the editor-in. chief shall be liable;
(e) where it is impossible to establish the identity of the publisher at the time ofthe
.

publication of the

periodical, the printer of the periodical shall be

liable in lieu of the publisher;

(f)

when a. person disseniin,ated a periodical which does not indic?tewho the printer was, or if such a statemen! is known to the disseminator to be incorrect, and if the identity of the printer cannot
,

be ascertained, of the printer; (g)

I."

the disseminator

is liable in lieu

in case of periodicals published abroad, the I importer' other than a person who imports the products for his personal use or any person who I disseminates the press product shall be Ii~hlp.:

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28
(2) Criminal Code

Criminal liability for crimes committed through nonperiopical Printed matters shall be as. follows: (a) when crime is committed by means of printed matter other than a periodical the author is liable, provided that he has been named as the author of the matter. The author shall not be liable if the matter was published without his consent or if his name, pen-name, or pseudonym appeared therein against his . wishes;
.

The"question who the author is may be raised in

legal proceedings c,oncerning crimes committed through publications other than periodicals. b) i(the author under sub-articl.e (2)(a). of this Article is not liable for matter which includes or is intended to include contributions by several ,authors, and if a rftesponsible editor had been nominate,din a manner prescribed by law, the responsible editor ~h,aUbe liable; c) in the case of printed matter other than printed matter undersub-article (2)(b) of th,is Article, the responsible ;"editor' shall oe ILable only if the

'$.~~hor'was
'~.

dead ,at the ~im,~of publication,

r~()tliable if his

However, the responsibl~editor'is ,'name, pseudonym, against his conseht;

or

PfJ~/la",e .

appeared

d) th,e responsible editor of printed matter other ",.'thqn'a periodical is takenAo be the person who, without knowing the author, dglivers it for printing ,'andpubHcation;

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e) if neither the author nor the responsible editor under sub-article (2)(a), (b)and (c) of this Article is liable, or if he was dead when the matter was published, the publisher is liable; the publisher of printed matter other than a periodical is taken to be the person who has undertaken to print and publish the writings of another; f) if there is no publisher, or the identity of the publisher cannot be ascertained, the printer of the material is liable in lieu of the publisher; g) the provision of sub-article (2)(fJ of this Article shat! apply also in corresponding manner to the liabilityof a disseminator of printed matter other than a periodical.
(3)

Liabilityfor crimes committed through broadcasting media shall rest with the person in charge of the programme; failing him, the licensee shall be liable. If the person who would have been liable under Article 43 (1), (2) or (3) at the time of publication has no known place of abode in Ethiopia, and if his present whereabouts cannot be ascertained in the prosecution of the case, liability shalT pass to the person next liable after him. In determining the liability of a person under this Article for the crime committed through the product of mass media, the conlent of the matter shall be deemed to have been inserted, published or disseminated with his fullknowledge and consent. No proof to the contrary may be admitted in such a case.

(4)

(5)

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30 Article
(1)

Criminal Code 44.Special Criminal Liability Originator, or Publisher. of the Author,

Without prejudice to the provisions of Article 43, any person who, by contributing as author, originator or publisher, to the product published or diffused through mass media, participates in the commission of crimes: armed rising or civil war (Art 240), treason (Arts. 248-250), espionage (Art. 252) attempted incitement and assistance (Art. 255), provocation and preparation (Art. 257), crimes against humanity (Arts. 269 - 274), incitement to disregard military order (Art. 332), disclosure of military secrets (Art 336), breaches of military and official secrecy (Arts. 396 and 397), inciting the public through false rumours (Art 486(b)), or the deliberate disregard for an obligation to maintain secrecy specified by law, shall be criminally liable. In such a case the provisions of this Code concerning participation shall apply to persons who committed the crime as a principal criminal, an instigator or an accomplice.

(2)

Article 45.-

Secrecy of the Identity of a Source.

(1) The editor or publisher of any publication, which is not periodical, may not be compelled to disclose the name or pen-name of the author. (2) The publisher or editor of any publication may not be compelled to disclose the source of any'matter printed in publication.

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(3) 31

Notwithstanding the provision of sub-article (2) of this Article, the Court may order the publisher or editor of the publication to disclose the source of information: (a) where a crime is committed against the Constitutional Order, National Defence Force or security of the State constituting clear and imminent danger, or (b) in the case of proceedings of a serious crime, where such source does not have any alternative and is decisive for the outcome of the case.

Article 46.-

Exclusion

of Double Liability.

The punishment of one of the parties responsible in the order fixed by law shall exclude liability to punishment of the other parties for the same act. However, no juridical person shall escape criminal liability either alone or jointly with any criminal listed in the order fixed by law.

Article 47.-

Immunity.

The author, publisher or diffuser of a true record or representation, which is correct in form, of public debates or acts of a legislative, administrative or judicial authority the diffusion of which is not expressly prohibited by law or by a specific decision shall not be liable to punishment.

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32 Criminal Code

TITLE HI CONDITIONS OF UABIUTVTO PUNISHMENT IN RESPECT OF CRIMES

CHAPTER

CRIMINAL RESPONSIBIU;rV

Section 1.Article 48.-

Ordinary Responsibility
and Irresponsibility.

Criminal Responsibility

(1) The criminal who is responsible for his acts is alone liable to punishment under the provisions of criminal law.
(2) A person is not responsible for his acts under the law when, owing to age, illness, abnormal delay in his development, deterioration of his mental faculties, one of the causes specified under Article 49 subarticle 1 or any other similar biological cause, he was incapable at the time of his act, of understanding the nature or consequences of his act, or of regulating chis conduct according to such understanding.

(3) The Court may order in respect of an irresponsible person such suitable measures of treatment or
protection as are provided by law (Arts. 129-131).

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Article 49... PartiaJResponslbility:. to one of the causes specified under or 33

(1) He who:owing

ArtiCle 48 sub.art~cle(21 above, ora derflngement

a.n abnormal or, deficient conditio!) Qr any other sirnilar biological cause was, at thetime of his act, partially incapable ofundeJstanding the nature or consequences thereof or regulating his conduct according to such under$tandihg shall be partially liable to 'the ,P,lm.i~hment,speyJfie(t. for the, crime cQmmitted. The cqurt shall det~rmineth~sentence in accordance with Article .180, (2) In addition to a penalty the Court may order such appropriate' measufes' o.f treatment, correction or prote.ction as are provided by law (Arts. 12~H31).

Article 50.-

Crimes Committed in a State ,Irresponsibility .Caused ,bY' Intoxication Other Similar Conditions.

of or

,<

(11 The prQvis,ions excluding OJ reduc.ing liability to punishment shall not apply to. any person who, in order to commit a crime or' knowing that he could commit. a crime, intentionally put himself into a condition of absolute irresponsibility or of limited respOnsibility by means ofalcoh,?1 or drugs or any

other means.
The' :general ,'provisions applicable in such a case. 6f this

Code

are

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(2)

Criminal Code
If a criminal by his own fault has put himself into a condition of absolute irresponsibility or of limited responsibility while he was aware, or could or should have been aware, that he was exposing himself, in such 'a ,condition, to the risk of committing a crime, he shall be tried and punished under the ordinary provisions governing negligence, iflhe crime committed is punishable on such a charge (Art. 59).

(3)~ In the case of a. crilT)e which was neither contemplatednor intended and was committed in a state of absolute irresponsibility .tnto which the
:

criminal put himself by his own fault, the provision of

Article 491 of the Special Pa.rtof this Coder-elating to crimes against public safety shall apply.

(4)

No person shall be liable to punishment where he commits a crime while in a state of absolute irresponsibility, ihto which he has been coerced or for which he has no fault on his part.

Article

51.(1)

Expert Examination in'Doubtful Cases.

When there is a doubt as to the responsibility of the accused person, whether absolute or partial, the Court shall obtain expert evidence and may. order an ~nquiryto be ma.de as to the character; antecedents and circumstances of the accused persoR,
,

Such evidence shalll;te obtained; particularly when the' accused' person shows signs of a deranged mind or epilepsy, is deaf and dumb or is suff~ring fromchro'1ic intoxication due to alcohol or due to drugs.

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Criminal Code (2) 35

The expert or experts shall be appointed Qythe Court under the ordinary rules of procedure. The Court shall define their terms of reference and the matters to be elucidated. The expert evidence shall describe the present condition of the accused person and its effect upon his faculties of judgment and free determination. It shall, in addition, afford guidance to the Court as to the expediency and the nature of medical treatment or safety measures.

(3)

011 the basis of the expert evidence the Court shall make such decision as it thinks ;fit. In reaching its decision it shall be bound solely by definite scientific findings and not by the appreciation of the expert as to the legal inferences to be drawn therefrom.

Section

11.-

Infants and Juvenile Delinquents

Article 52.-

Infancy: Exoneration Provisions.

from

Criminal

Infants who have not attained the age of nine years shall not be deemed to be criminally responsible. The provisions of this Code shall not apply to them. Where a crime is committed by an infant, appropriate steps may be taken by the family, school or guardianship authority.

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36 Criminal. COde

Article 53.(1)

Special Provisions Persons.'

Appiicable to Young

Where a crime is committed by young persons between the ages of nine and fifteen years, the penalties and measures to be imposed by the courts shall be only those provided in Articles 157-168 of this Code. Young persons shall not be subject to the ordinary penalties applicable to adults nor shall they be kept in custody with adult criminqls.

(2)

The provisions of Articles 158~168 of this Code shall not apply unless the criminal is convicted. However, where the young person is irresponsible, the provisions of Articles 129"133 shall apply.

Article 54.(1)

Expert Evidence and Enquiry.

For the purpose of assessing sentence the Court may require information about the conduct, education, position and circumstances of the young criminal. It may examine his parents as well as the representatives of the school, guardianship authorities and the institutions concerned. The Court may require from the abovementioned persons and institutions the production of any files, particulars, medical and social reports in their possession concerning the young person and his family.

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37

(2) The Court before passing penalties or measures may order the young criminal to be kept under observation in a medical or educational centre, a home or any other suitable institution.
The Court may require the production of expert evidence regarding the physical and mental condition of the young person. The Court shall put such questions as. may be necessary to any expert for the purpose of informing itself as ,to the physical and mental state of the young person and inquire what treatment and measures of an educational, corrective or protective kind would be most suitable. (3) In reaching its decision the Court shall be bound

solely by definite scientific findings and not by the appreciation of the expert as to the legal inferences to be drawn.

Article 55.-

Assessment of Sentence. or measures the Court

In assessing. the penalties

shall take into account the age, character, degree of mental and moral development of the young criminal, as well as the educational measures to be applied. The Court may vary its order whenever it is of the opinion that this will help to achieve better results (Art. 164). value of the penalties or

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38 Article 56.(1)

Criminal Code Criminals Over Fifteen but Under Eighteen Years of Age.

If at the time of the commission of the crime the criminal was over fifteen but under eighteen years of age, he shall be tried under the ordinary provisions of this Code. The Court may, in assessing sentence, take into account the circumstances of the case, in particular the age of the criminal, his incorrigible or dangerous disposition and the likelihood of his reform, either by applying the general provisions regarding ordinary mitigation of penalties (Art. 179) or by applying one of the special penalties specified for young persons (Arts. 166-168).

(2)

CHAPTER II CRIMINAL GUILT

Section
Article 57.(1)

1.-

Intention, Negligence

and Accident

Principle;

Criminal Fault and Accident.

No one can be punished for a crime unless he has been found guilty thereof urider the law. A person is guilty if, being responsible for his acts, he commits a crime either intentionally or by
negligence. "

(2)

No one can be convicted under criminal law for an act penalized by the law if it was performed or occurred without there being any guilt on his part, or was caused by force majeure, or occurred by accident.

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Criminal Code Sub-section Article 58.1.- Guilt in Case of a Simple Crime 39

Criminal Intention.
to have committed a crime

(1) A person is deemed intentionally where: (a)

he performs an unlawful and punishable act with full knowledge and intent in order to achieve a given result; or (b) he being aware that his act may cause illegal and punishable consequences, commits the act regardless that such consequences may follow. (2) An intentional crime is always punishable save in cases of justification or excuse expressly provided by law (Arts. 68-81). (3) No person shall be convicted for what he neither knew of or intended, nor for what goes beyond what he intended either directly or as a possibility, subject to the provisions governing regligence.

Article 59.-

Criminal Negligence.

(1) A person is deemed to have committed a criminal act negligently where he acts: (a) by imprudence or in disregard of the possible consequences of his act while he was aware that his act may cause illegal and punishable consequences; or (b) by a criminal lack of foresight or without consideration while he should or could have been aware that his act may cause illegal and punishable consequences.

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Criminal Code
A person is guilty of criminal negligence when, having regard to his personal circumstances, particularly to his age, experience, education, occupation and rank, he fails to take such precautions as might reasonably be expected in the circumstances of the case. (2) Crimes committed by negligence are liable to punishment only if the law so expressly provides by reason of their nature, gravity or the danger they constitute to society. The Court shall assess sentence according to the degree of guilt and the dangerous character of the criminal, and according to his realization of the possible consequences of his act or his failure to appreciate such consequences as he ought to have done. Sub-section 11.- Criminal Guilt in Case of Concurrence and Recidivism ConClJrrent Crimes.

Article 60.-

A person commits concurrentcrimes: a) in cases of m.aterial concurrence, when the criminal successively commits. two or more similar or different crimes, whatever their nature; or b) in cases of notional concurrence, when the same criminal act simultaneously contravenes several criminal provisions orresuJts in crimes with various material consequences; or

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'1'1

~)

in the case of a criminal act which, though flowing from the same criminal intention or negligence and violating the same criminal provision, causes the same harm against the rights or interests of more than one person. Unity of Guilt and Penalty.

Ie 61.(1)

The same criminal act or a combination of criminal acts against the same legally protected right flowing from a single criminal intention or negligence, cannot be punished under two or more concurrent provisions of the same nature if one legal provision fully covers the criminal acts. Successive or repeated acts against the same legally protected right flowing from the same initial criminal intention or: negligence constitute one crime; the criminal shall be punished for the said crime and not for each of the successive acts which constitute it. Similarly, where the repetition or succession of criminal acts or the habitual or professional nature of a crime constitutes an element of an ordinary or aggravated crime, or where the criminal act is pursued over a period of time, the criminal shall be regarded as having committed a single crime and not concurrent material crimes.

(2)

(3)

In cases where the criminal is regarded to have intention to commit a specific crime, in particular where he committed a crime on property to obtain unlawful enrichment or he made counterfeit currency, !:,sed it or put it into circulation or executed a forged document and used it, the subsequent acts performed by the criminal himself after the

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commission of the main crime fo:r the purpose of carrying out his initial- criminal scheme shall not constitute a fre$h crime liable to punishment and are .merged.by the unity ofintentionand purpose.

Article 62.-

Renewal of Guilt Entailing

a Fresh Pe'nalty.

When a criminal having committed a crime as specified in Article 61 commits with renewed criminal intention or negligence another crime' of the same kind, whether against the same person or the same legally protected right, such crime constitutes a fresh crime and the Court shall aggravate the sentence on ground of concurrence as provided in Article 184.

Article 63.-

Guilt in Case

af Related

Crimes.

When a criminal commits a crime with the intention of causing or facilitating' the commission of another punishable crime the provisions regarding agwavation of penalty in case of concurrence shall apply (Art. 184), when this has been attempted unless such crime aggravated crime. is declared. by law to be an

Article 64.-

Guilt in Case of Other Concurrent Crimes.

Material

Where a criminal successively commits different crimes other than those specified in Article 62 and 63, the provisions of Article 184 of this Code shall apply.

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Criminal Code Article 65.In case

43

Guilt in Case of Notional Concurrence Violating Different L~gal Provisions. ;

of notional

concurrence

where

the

act

simultaneouslY contravenes different legal provisions,

the punishment shalt be determined in-accordance with Article 187(1). Article 66.-

Guilt in Case of Notional Conc~rrence Resulting in Crimes With Various Material Consequences.

(1) When a given crime implying an injury to persons or property, or the use of' arms, instruments or dangerous means, fire or e~plosive~, poison or toxic substances, entails, an injury whereby the elements cons,tituting a second crime have materialized, whether it be bodily injury, injurY to health, death of a human being or the destruction of another person's property, the Court shall apply the following principles for determining the guilt and the penalty: (a) if the result achieved was intended or foreseen and accepted by the criminal (Art. 58(1)), when he committed the first crime, he shall be p4nished for both the first crime and the resulting crime and aggravation shall apply in accordance with the relevant provisions (Arts. 184 and 187(2)(a)), due regard being had to the combination of the elements constituting the two intentional crimes;

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(:(

tted by negligence (Art. 59(1)) there shall Icurrence between the intentional act and
- -- - --- "';:j --."-;:j";:j.-"~

---

-,

--

Court shall increase the penalty accordingly (Art. 187(2)(a)); .

I

if thp fir~t

t"'1

III

~ :)110.11

V~

(jUII(jurr~IIG~

V~.lw~~r

I 1I1~

(jrll[J~:)

mitted by negligence avate the pE

and the Court shall

\ggravation shall apply in particular where the :riminal result was achieved by means endangering ; safety, such as arson, explosion, use of sives or where communication or public health ~ danger as well as in the case of exposure of Ins, maltreatment, brawl, abortion, rape or il outrages (Arts. 187(2)(C) and 184).

uum

In vase

Of tteCIOIVlsm.

urt shall aggravate the penalty on ground of m (Art. 188) when a fresh intentional crime the n penalty of which is six months of simple ImAnt has been committed within five years 01 ntence of imprisonment :omremitted by pardon. in whole or in par

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II. - Law1ul Acts, Justifiable Acts and Excuses Sub-section 1.-

45

Section

Lawful Acts
by Law.

Article 68.-

Acts Required or Authorized

Acts required or authorized by law do not constitute a crime and are not punishable; in particular: (a) acts in respect of public, State or military duties done within the limits permitted by law; (b) acts reasonably done in exercising the right of correction or discipline; or (c) acts done in the exercise of private rights recognized by law, where the conditions and limits of the exercise of such rights are not exceeded.

Article 69.-

Professional

Duty.

An act done in the exercise of a professional duty is not liable to punishment when it is in accordance with the accepted practice of the profession and the doer does not commit any grave professional fault.

Sub-section

11.-

Justifiable

Acts and Excuses

Article 70.-

Consent of the Victim.

(1) A crime is not liable to punishment

where it is punishable upon complaint and where it is done with the consent of the victim or his legal representative.

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46 Criminal Code
(2) Without prejudice to the provision of Article 573 of this Code, when any person, having entered into a contract of his own free will without any commercial purposes, donates while alive or causes to be donated after his death, his body, a part of his body or one of his organs to another person for personal use or to a juridical person for appropriate and necessary scientific research or experiment, the recipient shall not be criminally liable.

Article 71 .-

Absolute Coercion.

Whoever, without causing greater harm than he could have suffered, commits a crime under an absolute coercion which he could not possibly resist, is not liable to punishment. The person who exercised the coercion shall answer for the crime (Art. 32(1 )(c). The Court shall determine the existence of absolute coercion, taking into account the circumstances of the case, in particular_the degree and nature of the coercion as well as the personal circumstances and the relationship of. strength, age or dependency existing between the person who was subjected to coercion and the person who exercised it.

Article 72.-

Resistible Coercion.

If the coercion was not irresistible and the person concerned was in a position to resist it.::-or avoid committing the act, the court shall pass sentence on the criminal (Art. 180).

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Criminal Code Article 73.47

Responsibility of Person Giving an Order.

In the case of an act committed by a subordinate on the express order of an administrative or military superior who was competent so to do, the person who gave the order is responsible for the crime committed and is liable to punishment, where the subordinate's act constitutes a crime and did not

exceed the order given (Art.58(3)).

Article 74.-

Responsibility

of the Subordinate.

(1) The subordinate shall be liable to punishment if he was aware of theiJlegal nature of the order, in particular if he knew that the order was given without authority or knew the criminal nature of the act ordered, such as in cases of homicide, arson or any other grave crime against persons, or national security or property, essential public interests or .

international law.

(2) The Court may, without restriction, reduce the penalty when the person who performed the act ordered was moved by a sense of duty dictated by discipline or obedience; in particular where the duty is of a compelling nature the Court shall reduce the penalty without restriction (Art. 180). The Court l11ay impose no punishment where, having regard to all the circumstances and in particular to the stringent exigencies of State or military discipline, the person concerned could not
.

discuss the order received and act otherwise than he

did.

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(3)

Crimin~1 Code
In the event of an order heing intentionally exceeded, the person who exceeded the order is alone responsible for the excess.

Article 75.-

Necessity.

An act which is performed to protect from an imminent and serious danger a legal right belonging to the person who performed the act or a third party is not liable to punishment if the danger could not have been otherwise averted. No exemption shall apply in the case of a similar act done by a person having a special professional duty to protect life or health; however, the Court may reduce the penalty without restriction (Art. 180).

Article 76.-

Excess of Necessity.

If the abandonment of the threatened right could reasonably have been required in the circumstances of the case or if the encroachment upon the third party's rights exceeded what was necessary or if the doer, by his own fault, placed himself in the situation involving danger or necessity in which he found himself, the Court may, without restriction, reduce the penalty (Art. 180).

Article 77.-

Military State of Necessity.

(1) An act done by an officer of a superior rank in active service to maintain discipline or secure the requisite obedience in the case of a military danger and in particular in the case of a mutiny or in the face of the enemy shall not be punishable if the act was the only means, in the circumstances, of obtaining obedience.

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(2)

49

Where the officer exceeded what was required in the circumstances the Court shall, without restriction, redUce the penalty (Art. 180) or, if the circumstances were of a particularly impelling nature, tnay impose no punishment.

rticle 78.-

Legitimate Defence

An act done in self-defence or the defence Of ahother

person against a.n unlaWful tittack or an imminent and unlawful atta.ck against a legally protected right shall not be punishable if the attack Or imminent attack could not have been otherwise averted and if the defence was proportionate to the needs of the case.

Article 79.(1)

Excess in Legitimate Defence.

When a person in repelling an unlawful attack or an imminent and unlawful attack exceeded the limits of legitimate defence by using disproportionate means or going beyond the acts necessary for averting the danger, the Court shall, without restriction, reduce the penalty (Art. 180). The Court may impose no punishment when the excess committed was due to excusable fear, surprise or excitement caused by the attack.

(2)

Article 80.-

Mistake of Fact.

(1) Whoever commits a crime under an erroneous a.ppreciation of the true facts of thG situation shall be tried according to such appreciation.

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50 Criminal Code

Where there is no criminal intention the doer shall not be punishable. Where he could have avoided the mistake bytakin9 such precautions as were commanded by his personal position and the circumstances of the case (Art. 59), he shall be punishable for negligence in cases where such negligence is penalized by law. (2) Mistake as. to a fact which constitutes a specified crime shall not exclude the punishment of the doer for another. crime' constituted ,by the act he pertbrmed. The crime is committed where there is a mistake as to the identity of the victim or the object of the crime.

(3)

Article 81.(1) (2)

Mistake of Law and Ignorance of Law.

Ignorance or mistake of law is no defence. The Court shall, without restriction, reduce the punishment (Art. 180) applicable to a person who in good faith believed he had a right to act and had definite and adequate reasons for holding this erroneous belief. The Court shall determine the penalty taking into account the circumstances of the case and, in particular, the circumstances that led to the error.

(3)

In exceptional cases of absolute and justifiable ignorance and good faith and where criminal intent is not apparent, the Court may impose no punishment.

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Criminal Code 51

Section

111.-

Extenuatingal'ld

Aggrav;lting

Circumstances

Article

82.(1)

General

Extenuating

Circumstances.

The Court shall ~educe the penalty, within the limits allowed by lawd(An. 179), in the follqwing cases: (a) when the criminal who previously of good characteractec(wHhoutthRught or by reasq!l of lack .,of intelligence, Ignorance or simplicity of mind; (b) when the criminal was prompted honourable.. -and disinterested motive high religious, moral or civil conviction;by an or by a

(c)

when he acted ina state of great material or moral distress or un<;ler the .apprehension of a grave threat Of. a justified fear, or. under the influence of. a per$on.to .wh()m he owes obedience or upon whom he depends;
"p

}i'-

(d) when he was. led into grave temptation by the

conduct of the victim ~or V\las carried away by wrath, pain .or reyolt caus,edby a serious provocation or an unjust insult or was at the . time of the act. in a justifiable state of violent emotion or mental distress; (e) when he manifested a sincere repentance for his acts after the crime, in particular by affording succour to his victim; recogoizing his fault or delivering himself up to the-authorities, or by repairing, as far as pqssible, the injury caused by-his crime, or when he ,0(1 being charged, admits every ingredlent of the,.crime stated on the criminal charge.

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(2) When th~ law, ina $P'~CiClI provisic>!1 of the $peoialo

PClrt, hClS take:n on~ of these oiroumstClnoe:$ into consideration as a Gomtituentelement or as afactQr of e:xte:nu'CltionOf Cl privileged crime, the Court may not at the;same: time allQw forthesamecircurnstance tQ r~qyce the pe:\1~lty applicable: thereto.

Article8S..,
.j

$pe-cial Mitigating Cirf)"\Jl1\Stances: and 'Aff~otiQ.!'\RetatiQnships.

Family

(1)

~'.'

In aqqition to ttw c<3,ses specified unde:r various provi$iQns of' this Oode to: be:$pecial mitigating circumstances ynder Article 18, the Court shall, withQutrestriction;r~gucE}thepuni$hment (Art. 180) whe:n ttw criminal acted in a manner contrary to the law and in partioylar faiN~din his duty to report to the authority or Clfforq it assistance, made: a false statement or deposition orcsupplie:d false information or aSsiste:d a crimioClI in e:$caping prQse:cu,tion or the enfQrcementofape:nalty, for the purpos.e. of not

expQsing himself, one, of his near relatives by plocd ormarricige or a pe:rsonwith whom he is connected by specially' dose ties of a.t1e.Qtioo, to a criminal
pe:nalty,'dishot1Q,\1f
.

qrg;rave, inju;ry;

The Oourt 'sl1\all:' examin,e ,and determine the existence arid ade~uate nature of..the relationships invoked.

(2) If theciclWith<Whichtheaccused

person is charged was not very grave ano'if theUes in question were so closeClnd the circumstance so' Impelling that they 'placed hirtr'ih. a: moral dilemma, of a particularly '.harrowfngnature the 'court may E~xempt him from punishment otAer thanreprirn'amd or warning (Art. 122).

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(3) Nothing in this Article shall affect the provisions of Arts. 254(4), 335(3) and 682 (4).
Article 84.-

General Aggravating Circumstances.

(1) The Court shall increase the penalty as provided by law (Art. 183) in the following cases: (a) when the criminal acted with treachery,
with pe'rfidy, with a base motive such as envy, hatred, greed, with a deliberate iQtent to -injure or do wrong, or with special perversity or cruelty; (b) when he abused his powers, or functions or the confidence, or authority vested in him; (c) when he is particularly dangerous on account of his antecedents, the habitual or professional nature. of his crime or the means, time, place and circumstances of its perpetration, in particular if he acted by hight or under cover of disturbances or catastrophes or by using weapons, dangerous instruments or violence; (d) when he acted in pursuance of a criminal agreement, together with others or as a memDer of a gang organized to commit crimes and, more particularly, as chief, organizer or ringleader; (e) when he intentionally assaulted a victim deserving special protection by reason of his age, state of health, position or function, in particular a defenceless, feeble-minded or invalid person, a prisoner, a relative, a superior or inferior, a minister of religion, a representative of a duly constituted authority, or a public servant in the discharge of his duties.

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54 Criminal Code

(2)

When the law, in a special provision. of the Special Part, has taken one of the same circumstances into consideration as a constituent element or as a factor of. aggravation of a crime, the Court may not take this aggravation into account again.

Article 85.-

Special Aggravating Circumstances: Concurrence and Recidivism.

In case of concurrence of crimes and recidivism, the penalty shall be aggravated according to the provisions of Articles 184-188 of this Code.

Article 86.-

Other General Extenuating Aggravating Circumstances.

and

The Court shall give reasons for applying general extenuating (Art. 179) or aggravating (Art. 182) circumstances not expressly provided for in this Code and. shall application. state clearly its reasons for such

'.

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BOOK II THE CRIMINAL PUNISHMENT AND ITS APPLICATION

TITLE I PUNISHMENTS AND OTHER MEASURES AND THEIR ENFORCEMENT CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS \rticle 87.Principle.

The penalties and measures provided by this Code must be applied in accordance with the spirit of this Code and so as to achieve the purpose it has in view (Art. 1). The penalties and measures shall always be in keeping with the respect due to human dignity.

'ticle 88.(1) The

Calculation of Sentence. Court shall determine the penalties and

measures in conformity with the provisions of the General Part of this Code and the special provisions defining crimes and their punishments.

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(2) The penalty shall be determined according to the degree of individual guilt, taking into account the dangerous disposition of the criminal, his antecedents, motive and purpose, his personal circumstances and standard of education, as well as the gravity of the crime and the circumstances of its commission. (3) Subject to the provisions of the Special Part of this Code, the Court shall carefully examine from the lightest to the most severe punishment and determine only the penalty appropriate for each case. (4) In order to ensure the correctness and uniformity of sentencing, the Federal Supreme Court shall issue a

manual relating to sentencing.

Article 89.Minor Crimes.

In cases of minor crimes the Court may apply the provisions of Article 122 relating to reprimands 01 warning or the provisions of the Law of Petty Offences.
Minor crimes are crimes which are punishable wit! simple imprisonment not exceeding three months or fin

not more than one thousand Birr.

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CHAPTER II
ORDINARY PUNISHMENTS APPLICABLE
,J ..,

TO ADULTS

Section 1.Sub-section
Paragraph 1.-

Principal Punishments
1.PecuniarY.F'enalties

Fine,C;onfiscationand
.

Sequestration

Article 90.-

Imposed.

Fine;' Prthcipfes to be .Applied When Fine .

(1) Fine is paid in money>, and is forfeited to the State; subject to any provision Of the law to the contrary, it may extend from ten Birr to ten thousand Birr. H()wever, in the case. of a juridical person fine may extend from one hundred up to five hundred thousand Birr. (2) In.fixing the amount of the fine, the Court shall take rntoconsideration the degree ;Of guHt, the financial condition, the means, the familyres'fJonsibilities, the occupatiOn and! earningstherefrorTI,.'the . age and

.healthot the:criminal
-

'i,

(3) \~lhe.n [email protected] pr()videdJor by the Special Part of

thJs,.,CodeJ~ o.l)lyimprisonment and the. cr.irninalis a j~ridical.per~or,thepunishment shall be a fine not exceeding ten thousand BirrJora crime punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding five years, a fine of up to twenty thousand Birr for a crime punishable witt!rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years, a..fineyf up 10, fifty thous,aqd Birr for a crime. punishable .wittJ rigorousjmRris()nment more than five years but riPt exceec::ling ten YSa.rs., a fine of up to the Qeneral rriaximurp. la.id.down' i9sub-article
.

(1)for acrime punishablewit,h ,. :.',rigorous impr.isonment ... exceeding ten years. , '\ ;1 ..

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(4) Where only fine is provided for in the Special Part of this ,Cod~" and ~~ere, the criminal is .a juridical p"erson, the fine shall be five fold. Article 91.The Imposition Imprisonment. of Fine in Addition to

Where the Special Part bfthis Code provides for a fine or imprisonment as, an alternative punishment for a crime, and it appears to the Court that, having regard to the degree of guilt and the circumstances of the criminal, it is expedient so to do, it may impose

both fine andimprison'ment.

Article 92.-

"

Motive

of

G'Bin
'

as

an

Aggravating

Circumstance.

(1) Withoutprejuqice to any, special, provision" of the law prescribing a higner maximum, where the criminal has acted with a motive of gain or where he makes a business of crime in a way that he acquires or tries to acquire a gain whenever a favourable opportunity presents itself, and where it appears to the Court that, having regard to the financialco~~ition of; and tl:1e profit made lJy, the Criminal,' it is expedient so to do, it mayimp6se a'fine which shall not exceed one . hundl'ed thousand Birr. The fine shall ~Iways be in addition confiscation of the profit made. (2) to the

Notwithstanding that no provision is specifically made in the Special Part of thi~Code, where although gain is not an essential el~m~nt of a crime, the. criminal Was motivated by .~ain in the cqmmission of such crime, the Court may impose a fine in addition to imprisonment or measures provided by law.

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59

~rticle 93.-

(1) Fine shall be paid forthwith. (2) Where the criminal cannot pay the fine forthwith, the Court may allow a period of time for payment; such period may extend, according to circumstances, from one to six months.
(3) Where, having regard to the circumstances of the criminal, it appears to the Court that it i~ expedient so to do, it may direct the payment of the fine to be made by installments. In fixing the amount and the date for payment of each installment, the Court shall take into consideration the actual means of the criminal. The .period of payment shall not exceed three years.

~rticle 94.-

Steps Taken by the Court When Fine is not Paid Forthwith.

(1) Whenever a fine is not paid forthwith, the Court may require the criminal to produce such sureties or security as is sufficient to ensure the. payment of the

fine withinthe statedperiod.

The security or sureties shall be determined having regard to the circumstances of the case, the condition of the criminal and the interests of justice.
(2) In default of payment of the fine within the fixed period, the Court shal.1give the appropriate order for the surety or security to be deposited.

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(3)

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When the criminal is unable"or deliberately fails to produce surety or security his property shall be seized and sold in accordance with the law. The sale of property shall be carried out subject to the provision of Article 98(3):
'

Article 95.-

Conversion of Fine into Labour.

In default of payment of the fine as provided under Articles 93 and 94, the Court shall order the criminal to settle the f:i.ne by doing work for the State or for anypubUc authority. The Court shall, taking into account the amount of the fine, determine the period within which the fine is to be settled. However, the period to be determined shaH hot eXteedtwo years.

Article 96.-

Conversion

of Fine into Cornpulsory

Labour.

Where the criminal is not able to fulfill as required under Articles 93';95,theColl'rtshall order' the conversion of the fine into compulsory labour. The period, of compulsory labbur determined by the Court unde~this Article shaUnotexceedtwo years.
Article 97." Suspension. of Enforcement ,of Compulsory Labour.

When fine is converted into compulsory labour the Court may order the suspension of -the enforcement of compulsory laboUr where the criminal, apart from the case specified under Article 105, is unable to carry out compulsory labour, by reason of his poverty, his family obligation, his state of health or for any other good caLJse.

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61

Confiscation of Property.

Subject to the following provisions of this Article, where the law makes provision for confiscation the Court may order the confiscation of the estate, or part thereof, of the criminal.

(2) Any property which the criminal has acquired, directly or indirectly, by the commission of the crime for which he was convicted shall be confiscated. An order of confiscation may alsG>apply to any property lawfully acquired by the criminal. (3) Confiscation shall not affect:

(a) domestic articles normally in use, instruments of trade or profession and agricultural implements, necessary for the livelihood of the criminal and his family; (b) such amount of foodstuffs and of money as are necessary for the support of the family of the criminal for a.period of not less than six months or for such longer period as the Court, having regard to the particular circumstances of the

case and for reasons to be given in- its . judgment,considersjust;

(c) goods, forming part of a family inheritance, of which the criminal cannot freely dispose by gift, will or in any other manner; (d) half of the common property with regard to the innocent spouse of the criminal, as well as the personal goods of the innoceht spouse, children or other persons of Which the criminal has, by law or custom, the charge, administration, management or power to dispose.

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Criminal Code Sequestration of Property.

Article 99.-

Where the criminal has been convicted and sentenced in his absence for conspiring or engaging in hostile acts against the .constitutional order or the internal and external security of the State, the Court may in addition to any other penalty order the sequestration of his property.
The provisions of Article 98(3) shall apply to an order of sequestration.

Paragraph II.

Other Pecuniary Effects

Article 100.-

Forfeiture to the State.

(1) Anymaterial benefits given or intended to be given to an criminal to commit a crime shall be forfeited to the State. If they no longer exist in kind the person who received them shall refund their value. (2) Any fruits of a crime shall be forfeited to the State where its owner or any other claimant is not found within five years starting from the date of publication of notice having been made concerning the recovery of the property in accordance with the usual procedure.
Where the property is likely to be spoiled or become unfit for use. it shall be sold in accordance with the usual procedure and the money shall be entrusted to a competent authority for a period not exceeding .five years.

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Article 101.-

Restitution of Property, Compensation for Damages and Costs.

Where a crime has caused considerable damage to the injured person or to those having rights from him, the injured person or the persons having rights from him shall be entitled to claim that the criminal be ordered to make good the damage or to make restitution or to pay damages by way of compensation. To this end they may join their civil claim with the criminal suit. Such claim shall be governed by the provisions laid down in the Criminal Procedure Code.
Article 102.Compensation to Injured Party.

(1) Where it appears that compensation will not be paid. by the criminal or those liable on his behalf on . account of the circumstances of the case or their situation, the Court may order that the proceeds or part of the proceeds of the sale of the articles distrained, or the sum guaranteed as surety, or a part of the fine or of the yield of the conversion into work, or confiscated property be paid to the injured party. (2) The claim of the injured party who has been compensated shall be assigned to the State which may enforce it against the person who caused the damage.

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Sub-section

/1.-

Compulsory L.abour and Penalties Entailing Loss of Liberty Compulsory Labour

Paragraph 1.Article 103.-

Compulsory Labour. with Deduction of Wages to the Benefit of the State.

(1) Where the crime is of minor importance and is punishable with simple imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, the Court may, if the criminal is healthy and is not a danger to society, sentence him to compulsory labour without any restriction of personallibertYsubjed however to supervision.
This penalty may extend from one day to six months.

(2) The criminal shall serve his sentence of compulsory labour at the place where he normally Works or is employed or in a publio establishment or on public works. An arnount not exceeding one third of the criminal.'s wages or proms shall be deducted and forfeited to the State. (3) The amount to be deducted, the place where the sentence is to be served, and theperibd thereof and the nature of the supervision shaH be stated in the judgment.

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-!""~~t>'''''~;'''-~''''''_.,,'''.r''-.,c''f"'''' -

65

Afti'i:le

Hl4.o.

CompUlsory

Labour \lVithRestriction of

Persona1. Liberty.

(1) Where thebircurnstancesof the case show that it is proper or netessaryso to dO,espeeia,1Iy where the crinrinalfails .to discharge his -obligatio'has specified undE:lt~rticle1 03(1) .ab'ov~,or where, with a view to keeping the criminal away from unfavourable surrO'undingsor undesirable cornpany, it is expedient sO to do, ,the Court may direct that c:ompul$'ory1abolJr shall be 'subjeCt to restriction of personal liberty.
(2) The naturearld the duratiO'nofsl1ch restriction shall be determined by the Court accorGfi'1g to the circumstances Of the case.

Such restrictiOI1

may

require

the

oriminal

to

discha,rge )hecomplJJsery labour, byremainingina pa'rticular p'laceofwork, or with aparticl1lar 'emploYer, br 'iha 'pafticulareslablishnmrit,or without leaving his residential area or a rastricted area under thesupe'rvisi6n Ofgbvernment officials. ~3?

n .the

'Ctimlnal 'fails 'tb 'comply with any such reql1frernent, heShi:rtlbe liable 'to simple imprisonment fora period equal to "any unfinished perrOd of the sentehce oftompulsory labour.

Article 105.-

Suspensionof.5entence

During Illness.

When the criminal apart from the conditions laid down und'erAr'ticle97ofthisCode, 'falls ill during the period of his sentence of compulsory labbur, he shall not be required todoanyWorkuritilhe recovers.

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When the criminal recovers he shall be ordered to resume the compulsory labour; if he is not able to resume the compulsory labour he shall be ordered to carry out another work which is suitable to his health and personal circumstances. Where;t is impossible to give or implement such an order, the Court may not impose another penalty on. the criminal.

Paragraph 11.-Penalties Entailing Loss of Liberty Article 106.(1) Simple Imprisonment. to by

Simple imprisonment is a sentence applicable crimes of a not very serious nature committed persons who are not a serious danger to society.

Without prejudice to conditional release, simple imprisonment may extend for a period of from ten days to three years. However, simple imprisonment may extend up to five years where, owing to the gravity of the crime, it is prescribed in the Special Part of this Code, or where there are concurrent crimes punishable with simple imprisonment, or where the criminal has been punished repeatedly. The Court shall fix the imprisonment in its judgment. period of simple

(2) The sentence of simple imprisonment shall be served . appointed for the purpose.

in such prison or in such section thereof as is

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Labour for

Article 107.-

Substitution of Compulsory Simple Imprisonment.

Wherever by reason of local administrative difficulties the execution of a sentence of simple imprisonment is not possible or the carrying out of such sentence is not conducive to the reform or the rehabilitation of the criminal, the Court may, in respect of crimes for which the Special Part of this Code provides for a term of simple imprisonment not exceeding six months, inflict a sentence of compulsory labour (Art. 103 or 104) instead of the sentence of simple imprisonment.

The provisions of this Article shall have effect. notWithstanding that no provision is made in the Special Part for the application of a sentence of compulsory labour instead of one of simple imprisonment.

Article 108.-

Rigorous Imprisonment.

(1) Rigorous imprisonment is a sentence applicable only to crimes of a very grave nature committed by criminals who are particularly dangerous to society. Besides providing for the punishment and for the rehabilitation of the criminal, this sentence is intended also to provide for a strict confinement of the criminal and for special protection to society. Without prejudice to. conditional release, the sentence of rigorous imprisonment is normally for a period of one to twenty-five. years. but where it is expressly so laid down by law it.may be for life. (2) The sentence of rigorous imprisonment shall be served in such prisons as are appointed for the
purpose. .

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The conditions ofenfoJcement of rigorous imprisonment i:\re more severe than those of simple imprisonment.

Article 109."

Common

Provisions.

The following provisions are common to bQth forms of imprisonment. They shall have, i:\$.their aim, the achievement of the purpose the determination of the penalties had in view. Regulations relating to prisons shall provide for the manner of execution of sentences, the admission to pri$on, the segregation of prisoners, the contact of prisoners with persons outside, the internal discipline in the prisons, and for the education and spiritual welfare of the prisoners.

Article 110.-

Separation of Sexes and Segregation.

(1) Prisoners of different sexes shall serve their sentences in different prisons and, in default of this, prisoners of different sexes shall be kept in different sections of the same prison and shall not be allowed to mix with prisoners of the other sex.
(2) Prisoners who are sentenced to rigorous imprisonment or special confinement shall be kept separate from prisoners under the age of eighteen years or from adult prisoners who i:\re serving a sentence of simple imprisonment.

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69

(3)

Prisoners awaiting judgment or persons detained for civil. debts, or pl,lblic servants ~ho, by virtue of their official duty, had contact with prisoners and who are imprisoned for a crime or detained for civil debt shall be kept separate from prisonersseNing sentence.

Article 111.-

Obligation to Do Work and Benefits Accruing Therefrom.

(1) A prisoner serving a .sentence with 'deprivation of personal liberty shall be under an obligation to do work and such obligation is an essential element in the sentence.
A prisoner in good health shall be compelled to do such work as will be assigned by the Director of Prisons. Such work shall be suitable to the prisoner's ability and shall be of such nature as to reform and educate the prjsoner and to be conducive to his rehabilitation.

(2) A prisoner compelled to work shall, if his work and conduct are satisfactory, be entitled to receive compensation for every day's work. The amount of such daily compensation, the manner of keeping it during the period of imprisonment and the manner of its payment upon release from imprisonment shall be governed by regulations relating to prisons.

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70
Article 112.Criminal Code

Variation of Conditions of Imprisonment.

With a view to ensuring that the sentence has the effect of reforming the prisoner and of enabling him to resume a normal social life on his release, the execution of the sentence shall be carried out in accordance with the following provisions in this Article and with such other provisions as may be laid down by regulations relating to prisons:
(1) The prison administration may, whenever it appears necessary so to do, impose solitary confinement at the beginning or in the course of the execution of the

sentence for a maximum of three months.

Before imposing solitary confinement the prison administration shall determine the measure and duration of such confinement after consultation with a medical doctor and, where necessary, a psychiatrist.

(2) The prisoner shall. be bound to work either alone or together with others according to the requirements and conditions prevailing at the time. Outside periods of work and during the night, prisoners shall, as far as possible, be kept isolated. (3) Good conduct prisoners may be given more favourable treatment as regards food, access to visitors, nature of work and leisure and treatment may be further improved with improved conduct of the prisoner and with the approach of the prisoner's

release.

Provided that any improved treatment may be withdrawn or suspended for a definite or an indefinite period of time in the case of abuse or persistent misconduct of the prisoner.

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71

~rticle 113.,

Conditional Release before Expiry of Period of Sentence.

(1)

Before the expiry of a sentence of imprisonment, the prisoner may be released on probation, if his conduct has been satisfactory.and other conditions laid down by law (Art. 202) have been fulfilled.

Before being released the prisoner may be required to live on probation in a penitentiary or labour settlement or other similar establishment. (2) The law' relating to the execution of sentences and the regulations relating to prisons shall lay down the conditions and the manner of putting into effect the provisions of this Article. Article 114.Execution of Sentence in the Case of Members of the Defence Forces.

Thefbregoing provisions shall be without prejudice to the execution of sentences with deprivation of personal liberty, in the case of members of the Defence Forces in which case the sentence shall be carried into effect in military prisons, camps or fortifications. The manner of carrying out such sent~nces shall be laid down by regulations.

Article 115.-

Deduction of Period of Remand.

(1) In passing a sentence with deprivation of personal liberty, the Court shall'specify what period of remand shall be deducted from the period of the sentence:

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72

Criminal Code Provided that no such deduction shall be made or a deduction for a limited period shall be made if such remand or a prolongation thereof is attributable to the criminal. (2) The conditions of.remand and the manner in which it is carried into effect are governed by the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Article 116.-

Period of Time Spent- in Hospital and Transfer in Case of Illness.

(1) If while serving sentence a prisoner has to be transferred to a hospital for treatment, the period spent in hospital shall be reckoned as part of the

sentence.

If the transfer to hospital is due to an illness or to any cause existing before the prisoner started to serve his sentence, the period in hospital shall, subject to the provision of sub-article (2) of this Article, be reckoned as part of the sentence. (2) The period spent in hospital due to illness deliberately caused by the prisoner or due to admission to hospital by misleading statement or behaviour of the prisoner shall not be reckoned as part of the sentence.
(3) If while serving sentence, a prisoner is deemed by

experts to be suffering from some mental disorder or

to be irresponsible for his acts, the sentence shall be suspended and the criminal shall be transferred to a
proper institution for care or treatment. .

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Criminal CQde 13

If the mental disorder or sta,te of irresponsibility of the criminal is of a permanent nature the remaining period of the sentence shall not be carried into effect.

Sub-section
Article 111.~

111.-

Punishment of Death General Principles.

(1) Sentence of death shall be passed only in cases of

grave crimes and on exceptionally . dangerous

criminals, in the cases specifically laid down by law as a punishment for completed crimes and in the absence of ~ny extenuating circumstances. A sentence shall be passed only on an criminal who, at the time of the commission of the crime, has attained tne age of eighteen years. (2) De~
sentence shall not be carried out unless confi med by the Head of State. It shall not be . execu- ed before ascertainment of its non- remission or non-commutation by pardon or amnesty.

(3) The sentence of death shall not be carried out in public by hanging or by any other inhuman means. The penalty shall be executed by a humane means within the precincts of the prison. The means of execution shall be determined by the executive body having authority over the Federal or Regional prison administration concerned. The execution of the sentence shall be carried out without any cruelties, mutilations or other physical suffering.

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Criminal Code

(4) After execution

the body shall, upon request, be

handed to his family. Failing such request, it shall be given a decent burial.

Article 118.-

Treatment of Prisoner Awaiting Execution.

While awaiting the confirmation and the execution of the sentence the prisoner shall be detained under the same conditions as a prisoner serving sentence of rigorous imprisonment. The director of prisons shall take such steps as may be necessary for the safety of the prisoner.

Where the prisoner. so desires and where it is possible he shall be given some work to do within his cell.
Article 119.-

Cases Where Death Penalty May be Suspended.

Death sentence shall not be carried out on fully or partially irresponsible or seriously ill person or on a pregnant woman, while they continue to be in that State.

Article 120.-

Commutation

of Sentence of Death.

(1) In the case of a woman with child and such child is born alive and the mother has to nurse such child, the death sentence may be commuted to rigorous imprisonment for lif~.

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75

(2)

A sentence of death may be commuted or remitted by way of pardon or amnesty in accordance with the provisions of this Code (Arts. 229 and 230).

Section

11.-

Secondary Puni!!hments

Article 121.-

Principles.

Secondary punishments shall not be applied except together with and subject to a principal punishment. Any such punishments shall apply only when the Court has expressly so directed. Any such punishments may be applied whenever the general provisions of law have been fulfilled notwithstanding that no provision is specifically made for the application of such punishment in any particular case. In deciding the application of secondary penalties, the Court shall be guided by their aim and the result they would achieve on the safety and rehabilitation of the criminal. Article 122.-

Caution, Reprimand, and Apology.

Admonishment

(1)

Where the Court considers that an appeal to the honour of the criminal will have beneficial effects on the criminal and on society' at large, it may in open Court, either during the trial or in its judgment, caution, admonish or reprimand the criminal. The Court may also order the Criminal to make a public apology to the person injured by the crime, or to the persons having rights from such injured person.

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76 Criminal Code

(2)

The

Court

may

apply

any

of the

punishments

mentioned in this Article. instead of the principal punishment where it is specifically laid down by law that such punishments apply to minor crimes; or where extenuating circumstance.s are present (Arts. 82 and 83); or where the law provides for a free mitigation of the punishment (Art. 180); or where enforcement of a sentence is postponed (Art. 192).

Article 123.-

Deprivation of Rights.

Where the nature of the crime and the circumstances under which the crime was committed justify such an order, and the criminal has, by his unlawful act or omission, shown himself unworthy of the exercise of any of the following rights, the Court may make an order depriving the criminal of: (a) his civil rights, particularly the right to vote, to take part in any election or to be elected to a public office or office of honour, to be a witness to or a surety in any deed or document, to be an expert witness or to serve as assessor; or of his family rights, particularly those conferring the rights of parental authority, of tutorship or of guardianship; or (c) his rights to exercise a profession, art, trade or to carryon any industry or commerce for which a license or authority is required.

(b)

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Article 124...

77

Period of Deprivation.

(1) Any deprivation (Art. 123) may be permanent or temporary ,and where temporary shall be from six months to five years. In fixing the period in each case the Court shall take into .considerationthe gravity of the crime, the antecedents and character of the criminal, the danger of a relapse into crime, the need for, and utility of the deprivation or the probable effect of the punishment and the interests of society.
(2) A sentence of death or of rigorous imprisonment carries with it the deprivation of all civil rights. When deciding a sentence of rigorous imprisonment, the Court shall determine the duration of the deprivation of civil rights. Subject to the exercise of pardon (Art. 229) and amnesty (Art. 230) or reinstatement (Arts. 232-237) such deprivation shall be permanent in the caseot a sentence of death. or of rigorous imprisonment for life.

Article 125.-

Date from Which Deprivation Shall have Effect.

(1) Any deprivation shall have effect from the day on which the judgment becomes final.
(2) In the case of temporary deprivation the period fixed shall begin to run from the day of expiry of the term of the principal sentence or the day on which the principal sentence was remitted or barred by limitation.

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Criminal Code
In the case of. conditional release from a sentence restrictive of personal liberty, and where the criminal has been of good conduct during the period of such release, .'the deprivation or suspension of the exercise of rights shall begin to run from the day of release. Incase of forfeiture of professional rights (Art. 123(C)), the Court may on trial authorize resumption of activity during the probation period of the conditional release (Art. 205).

Article 126.-

Reinstatement.

A criminal may be reinstated into the exercise of his tights in the cases and under the conditions laid . down by law (Arts. 232-237). Article 127.-

Dismissal from the Defence Forces and Reduction in Rank.

(1) Where the criminal is a member of the Defence Forces and is convicted by a military court, the Court may in addition order the reduction in rank of the criminal and his dismissal from the Defence Forces where his crime shows him to be of a base, wicked or .

dangerousdisposition.

(2) Such punishment shall be applied after consultation with the competent military authority.
Nothing in this Article shall ~revent the imposition of any other secondary penalty.

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Criminal Code Article 128.Legal Effect.

79

Reduction in rank or dismissal from the Defence Forces shall take effect as proviqed by military law. CHAPTER III MEASURES APPLICABLE TO ADULTS IN SPECIAL CASES

Section 1.- Measures Applicable to Irresponsible Persons and Crimina(s with a Limited Responsibility Article 129.Principle.

After ascertaining on the bases of normal enquiry and expert examination, (Art. 51) whether the criminal is irresponsible (Art. 48) pr whether he is of a limited respoj1sibility.(Art. 49), the Court shall apply the following provisions having regard to the circumstances and requirements of the case.

Article 130.-

Confinement.

(1) If the criminal, by reason of his condition, is a threat to public safety or order, or if he proves to be dangerous to the persons living with him, the Court shall order his confinement in a suitable institution.
(2) If he is in need of treatment, he shall .either be treated in the institution in which he .is confined or be transferred to an appropriate institution in accordance with Article 131. Proper provision may be made for his safe custody.

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Article 131.Criminal Code

Treatment.

(11 Where acriminaf is suffering from a mental disease or deficiency, deafness and dumbness, epilepsy, chronic alcoholism, narcotic and psychotropic substances, intoxication due to the abuse of narcotics or any other pathologicai deficiency and requires to be treated or placed in a hospital or asylum the Court shall order his treatment in, a suitable institution or department of an institution. (2) Where the Court is satisfied that "the criminal is not
dangerous and can be treated as an out-patient, shall order accordingly. it

The Court shall then order that the criminal be kept under proper supervision and control either by the medical expert in charge of the case or by some other competent authority. An order made under this Article may be revoked at any time where it is known that it is unreliable or cannot produce positive result.

Before revoking the order or taking other appropriate measures, the Court may require .from the medical experts or other competent authority such report as it cpnsiders necessary.

Article 132.-

Duration of Confinement or Treatment.

(1) The competent administrative authority shall carry out the Court's decision concerning treatment and confinement. Treatment and confinement shall be of indefinite duration but the Court shall' review its decision every two years.

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Crlmi"~~ C.9,~e
81

As soon as, a,c:cording tp ~~pert opinion, the reason. for the measure has disappeared the administrative authority shan: after having referred the m~ttertp the Court and upon its decision, put an end to the measure ordeted.

(2) Although the cause due to which the measure was ordered is not fully eliminated, the Court may, at any time during the enforcement of the treatment or confin~ment, order the temporary suspensipn of such a measure in accordance with the adrpinistrative authority's rl3pOrtwhere' its propriety ha t)@el'l confirmed by e)(pert opinipn. The Court shall release the cr,minal to the supervision of a sel~cted protector for not less than on@ y@ar Bnd shall in adqitipn impose such conditions a may be n@C:@Sjiry (Art 205). (3) Any ord@r,made under this Article may at any time be revoked where. public safety or the condition of the released person so requires. If the probation period is successfully undergone, the release shall be final. Article 133.Effect of Penalty. . Limited Responsibility upon

(1) In the case of criminals of limited responsibility, subject to the determination of penalty under Article 49, . the Court shall when necessary, after having suspended the sentence temporarily, order his confinement (Art. 130) or his treatment in a suitable institution (Art. 131).

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Criminal Code

(2) Upon termination of the measure ordered the Court shall, upon a.report made by the management of the institution or the responsible protector, decide whether the enforcement of the penalty is still necessary and determine in accordance with the provision of Article 116 of this Code whether or not the period of confinement or treatment should be deducted from the sentence unserved.
The Court shall take into account the gravity of the crime committed, the antecedents and character of the criminal, the effect the internment or treatment had upon. his condition and the likelihood of his permanent recovery. (3) No penalty shall be enforced considers it inexpedient so to do.
11.-

where

the

Court

Section

GENERAL MEASURES FOR PURPOSES OF PREVENTION AND PROTECTION

Article 134.-

Principle.

The general preventive and protective measures provided in this Chapter may be applied together with the principal penalty or after the principal penalty has been undergone when, in the opinion of the Court, the circumstances of the case justify.
All such measures must be specifically ordered by the Court on such conditions and in all such cases as it deems necessary, notwithstanding that no provision is made in the Special Part of this Code for

their application.

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Criminal Code Sub-section 1.- Measures of a Material Nature

ArUcle 135.-

83

Guarantee of Good Conduct; Principle.

(1) When a convicted person indicates his, intention to commit a further crime or when it is likely that he will commit a further crime as in a case of declared hostility or threat, the Court may require him to enter into a recognizance tobe of good behaviour together with a surety or sureties.
(2) The recognizance shall be for a period of from one to five years. The surety shall be in the . form of a personal or monetary guarantee. (3) The Court shan. d~termine the duration of the recognizance and" the value of the guarantee );3.cqo~d~ng to tile na~ure and gravity of the threat and :;. hav.ing ,regar:! to the;Op~isonal and material
('..."

It It
1\

'L circumstancesofthe

criminal or his guarantors. shan be

l,
I'.: :1. Ii;

The recognizance of the guarantee. recorded in the judgment.

I,:

Article 136.(1)

Refusal of Recognizance or Guarantee.

If the person by whom the commission of a crime is feared refuses to enter into the required recognizance or if, by ill-will or bad faith, he does not name a guarantor or deposit the required surety within the specified time, the Court shall order him to be detained until' he complies.

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84 (2) Tile Court

CrhTiinat Code
sha1'1 at lhesan,e time determine the duration of such detention. Save in exceptional circumstanCes sucl1as a renewa;1 '6fthe threats of \h'e obvi{)us persistence of the dangerousdispdsiti6h Or

ill-will of the personccincEnnec,

the detention
,

shall

'not '~xceed three months.

'. The :90urt, may, on application for, g'Ood reason, release tne~onvldedperson undersupervision (Art. 148) 6rgrabta fuHherdetenHol1, for. .aperiod of not more than threemo'illns, if safety so requires. Thet{)tal periopof detention ritay in no case exCeed six
months.'
, . :, ,',' :'-' ''''-

"
~
)~:,'--''''~;

,'.

(3) When ad~quate the prisone(shall Article 137.-

suren~s( or; gliarallt~es

'<~-'

:L,c

'-

-'~:

,are furnished
'

beseHree.

"

Leg'alE1fct.

When the probation 'periodspecfffedin the recognizance

has elaps'S'd withou't any crime having been cornmitted thegLiaranteeshallbedisdhar~d, .theguarant6rs
released and the sums Or suretiesloaged returned to their owners. 'ffa criMe is'Comm1ttedduring the probation period, 1h'~:~ety shall <ttejfQrfeited to the State or the guarantor required to discharge his

obligation, 'crime::"
Article
"

without prejudice to the ordinary penalties

,

and measures
$8.;' -

to which

thecrirninal

is liable for his

':;>~;j ~):f

!'

mabUityto FurnishaGQ.antee..
4 ,

If the person, by whom the cornmission.of a crime is feared i throughno fault of his own,~,un.able to furnish the s~tety or personal guarantee r~qU.ir~d, ,the, Court sha/lotder that he be set freeandJ~laced under

stipeNision(Art.

1'48).

'

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Criminal Code Article 139.(1)

85

Repetition of the Measure.

The Court may order a person who has entered into a recognizance to enter into a fresh recognizance where circumstances particularly fresh threats by, or dangerous disposition of the criminal justify (Art. 135). However, where the said person has been previously detained for the maximum period of. six months specified in Article 136(2) second paragraph, he may n01 be detained again if he refuses to .enter into the fresh recognizance. If a further order is required it shall bean order of supervision (Art. 148).

(2)

Where the nature of the threat falls under the provision of Article 580 nothing shall exclude the prosecution of the doer under the said Article. Article 140.(1)

Seizure of Dangerous Articles.

The Court shall order the seizure of all articles having been Used or likely to be used for the cormnission of ,acrims, or which have been obtained as the result of a brime, when they endanger pUblic order, safety, health or decencY.

It may order that the seized articles be either destroyed, rendered useless or handed over to a police or a criminological institute. (2) Interests 6f innocent third parties shaft be protected and weapons 6rhistrurtlehtS tfte possession Ofwhich is not forbidden by laW shall be returned to their oWrter,

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86 Article 141.Criminal Code

Common Provision: Application.

General

Preventive

A person may, before prosecution or during trial, be required to enter into a recognizance to be of good behaviour where such person behaves or is likely to behave in a manner which threatens peace or security of the public or a member thereof.
An order for seizure may where circumstances person in accordance with where such person cannot of any 9angerous article so justify be made on any Article 140 even in cases be charged or convicted.

Sub-section

11.-

Measures Entailing Restrictions . on Activities and Withdrawal

of a

Article 142.-

Suspension
License.

In the case of a grave or repeated crime committed by any physical or juridical person holding an official license entitling him/it to carry out any profession or activity the Court may, in addition to the penalty imposed, order the withdrawal of the license for a period of ftom one month to one year.

In cases of recidivism or of a particularly grave danger the license may be revoked for good.
Nothing in this Article shall affect the provisions of Article 123(c).

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Criminal Code Article 143.Prohibition and Undertaking. Closing of

87 an

In addition to the penalty imposed ~pon the crimin.aI

the Court may order that any undertaking or

establishment whether commercial, industrial, cultural or political which was utilized to commit or further the commission of a crime shall cease to . function and be closed where the crime committed is
a danger to public security.

The Court may order the winding up of such an undertaking where the crime committed entails a penalty of rigorous imprisonment exceeding one year.

Article 144.-

Effect of Non-observance.

(1) Measures prescribing closing down, suspension or prohibition may be general or limited to a specified time, place or area as determined in the judgment. They imply a prohibition of the continuance of the forbidden activity either by the convicted person or a third party by whatever, name Or management. (2) Infringements of a prohibition under this Article shall be punished under Article 459. Where an establishment or centre has been reopened in violation of a prohibition it shall be wound up and the assets disposed of according to . law.

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Sub-section Article 145.-

111.-

Measures Entailing a Restriction on

Personal Liberty

Prohibition from Resorting to Certain Places.

(1) In addition to the penalty the Court may restrain the convicted person from having access to or remaining in certain places the resorting to which contributed to the commission of the crime or may expose the criminal to committing fresh crimes, in particular
.

and other public places.

public-houses, inns,entertainment halls, markets

(2) The Court shall specify in its judgment. the extent and duration of the restraint which may be from three months to one year. Article 146.Prohibition to Settle Down or Reside in a Place.

(1) Where it becomes nece$s~ry ..for purposes protection as laid down in Article 145, a sirnilar prohibition may be ordered in respect of settlement or residence in a town, village9r a specified area. (2) It shall be of a temporary nature having regard to the gravity of the crime, the character of the criminal and the circumstances of the case. A temporary prohibition may be for a period of from one to ten years. The Court shalf give rea~ons for its decision and shall specify the territorial area to which the prohibition extends and its duration.

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Criminal. Code Article 147.(1)

89 a Specified

ObHgation to Reside'" Place or Area.

Where a crimina1is likely to cause further disturbance or pursue a life of cnme, the Court .may order the criminal to reside Jna specified place or area where the likelihood of his committing further crimes is lessened.

(2)

The Court shall decide the place orlocaHty where the criminal is to reside and its duration 'which shall not be less than one year and more than five years.

(3)

An order shall not be made under this Article where

an

order

under

Article

135

will

meet

the

circumstances

<of the case.

Article 148.(1)

Placing. under Supervision.

Wher~such a measure appears necessary the Qourt may order that ac.onvicted .person be pJacedunder police supervision. I;xceptas other:wise expressly provided by law in particular under Article 138 such a mj3asure shall be ordered only in respect of a criminal who is proved to be dangerous. by the gravity or repetition of his criminal acts and who was sentenced to at least a
.

term of simple imprisonment of one year.

(2). The Court shall prescribe the period of supervision . which shall be from one to five years.

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Criminal Code
Such supervision must be effected so as not to hinder the person who is the subject thereof in the exercise or resumption of his normal activities and living and not to prevent reinstatement. The per$on subjected to supervision may be ordered to report himself either at regular intervals or when summoned so to do. (3) The Court may in an appropriate case order supervision by a protector (Art. 208), where such an order appears.sufficient having regard to the circumstances of the case.

Article 149.-

Withdrawal of Official Papers.

Where special reasonS, relating to supervision or safety require, the Court may in addition order the temporary retention or withdrawal of the official papers or passport of the convicted person. The reasons for such a measure and its duration shall be stated in the judgment.

Article 150.-

Prohibition from Territory; Expulsion.

Residing

in

the

(1) If the convicted person is an alien and proves to be uri<ifesirable or dangerous the Court may order expulsion from the territory of the State either temporarily or permanently. This measure may always be ordered in respect to a convicted person who has been .sentenced to a term of simple imprisonment ofthree years or more, or to an irresponsible or partially responsible criminal

recognized by expert opinion as

order.

?-

danger to public

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91

The duration of expulsjon shall be specified in

the judgment.
(2) The Court shall, prior to its decision, competent public authority. consult the

Nothing in this Article shall affect the provisions of international conventions. (3) The application of any other measure preclude expulsion. does not

Article 151.-

Enforcement.

(1) The enforcement of an order of expulsion shall be the duty of the competent public authority and shall be effected in accordance with the relevant administrative regulations. (2) In the case of a sentence entailing loss of liberty the order of expulsion shall be carried out after the sentence has been served or remitted through pardon or amnesty. In the case of a criminal whose responsibility is limited and when circumstances so justify the penalty may be first enforced and expulsion substituted for the ordinary measures of safety (Art.130) or treatment (Art.131).
.

(3)

In the case of an irresponsible person expulsion

may, if appropriate in the circumstances of the case, be substituted for the measures of confinement or treatment.

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92 Article 152.Criminal Code

Suspension Probation.

of the Measures by way of

When a criminal has been sentenced to a penalty entailing loss of liberty and his conditional release is ordered, the suspension of the order concerning prohibition from residing in a specified place, obligatory residence or expulsion may be ordered by the Court by way of probation and subject to possible revocation, on such general terms and under such
guarantees as are provided by law (Art. 207).

Article 153.-

Penalty in Case of Violation of Safety Provisions.

Infringements of the provisions relating to prohibition from resorting to certain places, or from residing or
settling in the country, obligatory residence and the obligation to subject oneself to such supervision as is ordered, as wen as prohibiHon from entering the territory of the State in case of expulsion, shall be punished under Articles 459 and 465.

Sub-section

IV.-

Measures for Purpo.ses of Information Notification to the Competent Authority.

Article 154.-

In every case where the Court pronounceSa. secondary penalty or a protective or preventive measure as
~ "

provided in the foregoing Sections, it shall notify without delay the administrative, civil, military or police authority
concerned' or any other competent public authority with a view to the enforcement of the decision and the control of its observation.

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93

It shall, in each case, determine to what extent the decision shall be made publicly known in order to ensure its efficacy.
Article 155.Publication of the Judgment.

(1) Whenever the general interest or that of the accused or of the injured person so requires the Court shall order the publication of the judgment or parts thereof. Such publication shall be ordered as a matter of course when it serves the public interest; it shall be effected only on a written request by the interested party when it serves private interests.

(2)

The Court shall determine the conditions under which the publications shall take place and their number, according to usage, the circumstances of the case and expediency. Publication may be effected by means of posters in a public place, or through other mass media. Entry in Judgment Register.

Article 156.-

(1) Penalties and measures pronounced in a judgment shall be entered in the judgment register of the person concerned in cases where such an entry is required by law and in accordance with the provisions of the order relating thereto. These provisions shall also determine the particulars to be included in the entries and their duration, the extent to which they may be communicated to other people having a justified interest therein, as well as the conditions under which they may be cancelled and the effect thereof in case of reinstatement.

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94
(2)

Criminal Code
As a general rule, extracts from entry in judg-ment register are intended to enable the competent judicial authorities to ascertain the criminal antecedents of an ac<?used person. They shall not be communicated to third parties or to offices which are not expressly entitled to take cognizance thereof, in order not to hinder the reinstatement of the convicted person.
.

CHAPTER IV

MEASURES AND PENALTIES APPLICABLE TO YOUNG

.

PERSONS Period Between Ages of lJine and Fifteen

1.-

Section

1.-

Sub-section
Article 157,-

Ordinary Measures. Principle.

In all cases where a crime provided by the criminal law or the Law of Petty Offences has been committed by a young person between the ages of nine and fifteen years (Art. 53), the Courtshall order one of the following measures having regard to the general provisions defining the special purpose to be achieved (Art. 55) and after.. having ordered all necessary inquiries for its information and guidance (Art. 54).

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Article 158.-

Admission to a Curative Institution.

If the condition of the young criminal requires treatment and where he is feeble minded, abnormally arrested in hi$ development. suffering from a mental disease, epileptic or addicted to drink, abuse of narcotic and psychotropic substances or other plants with similar effect the Court shall order his admission to a suitable institution where he shall receive the medical care required by..his condition. His treatment shall wh.ere. possible include education and instruction. Article 159.(1) Supervised Education.

If the young criminal is morally abandoned or is in need of care and protection or is exposed to the danger of corruption or is corrupted, measures for his education under supervision shall be ordered. He shall be entrusted either to relatives or if he has no relatives or if these have proved to be incapable of ensuring his education, to a person (guardian or protector), a reliable person, or organization for the education and protection of children. The supervisors mentioned in the preceding paragraph shall undertake in writing before the Court that they will, under their responsibility, see to the good behaviour of the young criminal entrusted to them. The local supervisory authorities (Art. 208) shall be responsible for the control of the measure.

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Specific conditions such as regular attendance at a school or the obligation to undergo an apprenticeship for a trade, the prohibition to associate with certain persons or resort to certain places, the obligation to appear personally before, or to report on certain dates to the supervisory authority may be imposed. Such conditions may, according to their nature and purpose, be ordered either in respect to the young person or to the persons who vouch for his good conduct

(3) A recall or a formal admonition may, if necessary, be sent to such persons by the supervisory authority or the Court. The custody and education of an infant may at all times be withdrawn from the person or organization entrusted therewith if they prove to be incapable of discharging their trust in a proper manner.

Article 160.-

Reprimand; .Censure.

(1) When such a course seems appropriate and designed to produce good results the Court may reprimand the young criminal. It shall direct his attention to the consequences of his act and appeal to his sense of duty and his determination to be of good behaviour in the future. (2) This measure may be applied alone when the Court deems it sufficient for the reform of the young criminal, having regard to his capacity of understanding and the not serious nature of the crime or the circumstances of its commission. If expedient, it may be coupled with any other penalty or measure.

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Article 161.-

97

School or Home Arrest.

In cases of small gravity or when the young criminal seems likely to reform, the Court may order that he be kept at school or in his home during his free hours or holidays and perform a specific task adapted to his age and his circumstances. The Court shall determine the duration of the restraint in a manner appropriate to the circumstances of the case and the degree of gravity

of the crime committed.

It shall order the necessary steps for ensuring strict enforcement under supervision.

Article 162.-

Admissi.on to a Corrective Im.mutlon.

The Court may order his admission into a special institution for the correction and rehabilitation of young criminals, taking into account the bad character, antecedents or disposition of the young criminal as well as the gravity of the crime and the circumstances under which it was committed. The young criminal shall there receive, under appropriate discipline, the general, moral and vocational education (apprenticeship) needed to adapt him to social life and the exercise of an honest activity.

Article 163.(1)

Duration of the Measures.

Measures "for treatment (Art. 158) and supervised education (Art. 159) shall, as a general rule, be applied for such time as is deemed necessary by the medical or supervisory authority and may continue in force until:..the young criminal has come of age (eighteen years).

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They shall cease to t?e applied when,in the opinion of the responsible authority, they have achieved their purpose. (2) The sending toa corrective institution (Art. 162) shall, as a general rule, be ordered for a period of not less than one year nor exceeding five. years, in no case -shall it extend b~yond the coming of age of the young criminal. . The judgment shall fix the duration ineach case. Conditional release by way of .probation after detention for one y.earmay be ordered under such general conditions as are provided by law (Art. 205) and subject to the application of rules of conduct and submission of the released criminal to the control of a protector (Art.208) during the fixed probation period.

Article 164.-

Variation of the Measures.

On the recommendation of the management of the institution the Court may vary an order made under the preceding Articles when such variation will benefit the young criminal.

Article 165.-

Leg~1 Effect oi tlilnleasures.

A young person in regard to whom one of the aforesaid curative, educational or corrective measures has been ordered shall not be regarded as having been sentenced under criminal law.

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Sub-section 11.Icle 166.Principle. Penalties

>;Iv

Where measures under Articles 158-162 have been applied and have failed the Court may sentence a young criminal to one of the following penalties, after having ordered such inquiries to be made as may

seem necessary (Art. 54).

rticle 167.(1) Fine;

In cases where the young criminal is capable of paying a fine and of realizing the reason for its imposition, the Court may sentence him to a fine, which shall be proportionate to his means and the gravity of the crime.

j j j j j j j j j j
I
1

A fine may be imposed in addition to any other

penalty. (2) The provisions regarding the substitution of other to young
1

j
I

penalties for fine and the consequences of nonpayment (Art. 94-95) are not applicable criminals.

j
1

Should a young criminal deliberately fail to pay

the fine within a reasonable time fixed by the I judgment the fine may be converted into school orl home arrest (Art. 161) for such time as shall be fixedl by the Court.

j j

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Article (1)

168.-

Imprisonment.

When a young criminal has committed a serious crime which is normally punishable with a term of rigorous imprisonment of ten years or more or with death the Court may order him to be sent: (a) either to a corrective institution (Art. 162) where special measure fer safety, segregation or discipline can be applied to him in the general interest; or

(b) to a penitentiary detention institution if he is incorrigible and is likely to be a cause of trouble, insecurity or corruption to others. The principle of segregation shall be applied in this case (Art. 110(2)). (2) The Court shall determine the period of detention to be undergone according to the gravity of the act committed and having regard to the age of the criminal at the time of the crime. It shall not be for less than one year and may extend to a period of ten years. When the criminal was sent to a corrective institution he shall be transferred to a detention institution if his conduct or the danger he constitutes renders such a measure necessary, or when he has attained the age of eighteen years and the sentence passed on him is for a term extending beyond his majority. In such a case the Court shall take into account, in determining the duration of the detention to be undergone, the time spent in the corrective institution and the results thereby obtained.

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(3) Detention shall take.place under the regime of simple imprisonment'(Art. 106) and conditional release may be granted under the usual conditions provided by law (Art. 113) if the young criminal appears to have reformed.

Sub-section Article 169.-

111.-

Common Provisions

Petty Cases; Waiving. of Penalty for

Definite Reasons.

In case of a less serious crime, when six months at least have elapsed since the crime was committed the Court may order no measure or penalty if it appears to be no longer necessary or expedient. Such shall be the case in particular when educational or corrective measures or suitable punishment has already been imposed by the parental or family authority, or when the young criminal is of good behaviour and seems to be reformed and no longer to be exposed to a risk of relapse.

Article 170.-

Special Period of Limitation.

(1) When half the ordinary or the special period of limitation (Arts. 217, 218) has expired since the day on which the crime was committed, the Court may, if circumstances seem to justify such a decision, renounce imposing any measure or penalty except in the cases of serious crimes mentioned in Article 168.

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In the case of serious crimes mentioned under Article 168. the general rules governing the limitation of the prosecution and the sentence shall apply.

Article 171.-

Suspended Probation.

Sentence

and Period of

The general rules regarding the suspension of the sentence or of its enforcement with submission for a specific time .to a period. of probation under supervision (Arts. 190-200) shall, as a general rule, remain applicable to young criminals'if the conditions for the success of such a measure seem to exist and subject to the rules concerning serious crimes as defined in Article 168. The duration of the period of probation shall be fixed between one and three years.

Article 172.-

Effect of Measures and Penalties upon Civil Rights.

The measures and penalties imposed upon a young criminal shall not result in the loss of his civil rights for the future, save in exceptional cases where the Court regards it as absolutely necessary on account of the special gravity of the crime committed within the meaning of Article 168.

Article 173.-

Preventive and Protective Measures of

a General Nature.
The provisions concerning forfeiture to the State (Art. 100), the seizure of dangerous articles (Art. 140) as well as the prohibition from resorting to certain places (Art. 145) shall be applicable to young criminals.

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The Court may in addition order the expulsion (Art. 150) of an alien under age who proves to be unamenable to reform and dangerous for the community, at the end of the period of corrective detention.
Due notice shall be given to the qppropriate public authorities, guardians or institutions (Art. 154) of all measures taken and penalties imposed upon young criminals.

Article 174.-

Publication of Judgment and Entry in Judgment Register.

The publication of the judgment in respect to young criminals shall never be. effected through the mass media (Art. 155). The entry in the Judgment register (Art. 156) of the measures and penalties affecting them shall be made merely for the information of the official, administrative or judicial authorities concerned. In no case shall excerpts from their record be communicated to third parties.

Article 175.-

Cancellation of Entry and Reinstatement.

On the application of the young criminal or of those having authority over him the competent authority may order the cancellation of an entry in his personal Judgment register of measures or penalties applied to him, except imprisonment, within two years from their enforcement if the normal conditions for . reinstatement (Arts. 232-237) are fulfilled.

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Section 11.-

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Period Between Ages of Fifteen and Eighteen Normal Case.

Article 176.-

In the case ofa crime committed by a young person belonging to the intermediary age group extending from the end of criminal minority (15 years) to legal majority (18 years), the Court applying the ordinary provisions of the law (Art. 56) may reduce the penalty within the limits it specifies (Art. 179), if the circumstances of the case seem to justify such a reduction. In no case may death sentence be passed upon a criminal who had not attained his eighteenth year of age at the time of commission of the crime (Art. 117). In the carrying out of penalties entailing loss of liberty the rule of segregation until majority (Art. 110(2)) shall be strictly observed.

Article 177.-

Special Case.

~1) Where a young criminal's physical or mental development is considered to be that of a young person below the age of fifteen or did not commit.a serious crime and, according to expert opinion, still seems amenable to curative, educational or corrective measures provided in Section I of this Chapter in respect to young criminals, the Court may by stating its reasons therefor, instead of mitigating the ordinary penalty in accordance with the preceding provision, order one of the aforesaid measures or penalties, in particular his dispatch to a curative or corrective institution.

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(2)

The curative, educational or corrective measure may under no circumstances be extended beyond legal majority (Art. 163). The Court may, before the end of the period, review its order with a view to deciding what length of the period spent in a corrective institution is to be considered as part of the penalty where it deems it necessary, in particular where it is appropriate to order detention in a penitentiary establishment (Art. 168(2)) upon release from the corrective institution.

TITLE II DETERMINATION, SUSPENSION, DISCONTINUANCE AND EXTINCTION OF THE PENAL TV

DETERMINATION
Section 1.-

CHAPTER I AND SUSPENSION Determination

OF THE PENAL TV

Article 178.-

Assessment of the Penalty in Case of Mitigation or Aggravation Provided by Law.

Apart from ordinary cases of determination of the penalty in conformity with general principles (Art. 88) and where, by virtue of the law, a case arises of compulsory or optional mitigation or aggravation of the penalty the Court shall apply the following provisions.

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1.-

Rules Governing Mitigation and Exemption

Article 179.-

Ordinary Mitigation.

,In all cases where the law provides that the Court mitigate the penalty under this Article, it shall, if it deems the mitigation justified, pronounce: (a) instead of capital punishment, rigorous imprisonment from twenty years to life; (b) instead of rigorous imprisol1ment for life, rigorous imprisonment from ten to twenty years; (c) instead of rigorous imprisonment for a specified minimum period, rigorous imprisonment for not less than the general minimum period of one year; (d) instead of rigorous imprisonment of at least one year, ~imple imprisonment from six months to five years; (e) instead of simple imprisonment for a specified minimum period laid down in the Special Part of this Code, simple imprisonment for not less than the general minimum period of ten days; (f) instead of simple imprisonment for not less than the general minimum period of ten days, c<;>mpulsorylabour or a fine.

Article 180.-

Free Mitigation.

In cases where the law provides the mitigation without restriction of the penalty under this Article, whether compulsorily or optionally, the Court shall have power to determine it in accordance' with the following principles:

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The. Court shall not be bound by the kind of penalty provided in the Special Part of this Code for the crime to be tried, nor by the minimum which the provision provides; it may without .restriction impose a sentence for a term shorter than the minimum period prescribed or substitute a less severe sentence for the. sentence pmvided; however the Court shall be bound solely by the general minimum provided in the General Part (Arts. 90, 106 and 108) as regards the penalty it imposes, whatever its nature may be.

Article

181.-

Common

Provisions.

In exercising its power of mitigation under the conditions and within the limits provided by law the Court shall always determine the nature of the sentence in accordance with the general principles governing criminal guilt (Art. 57). In case of mitigation, whether ordinary (Art. 179) or free (Art. 180), reparation of the damage caused (Art. 101) may always be ordered. The same applies to secondary penalties (Arts. 121-128) and to the various preventive, corrective and safety measures (Arts. 134-153) which the Court may deem necessary.

Article 182.-

Exemption Penalty.

from

and

Waiving

of

The Court may exempt a criminal from any penalty whatever or waive the penalty in whole or in part, only in such cases as are expressly provided by law.

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Sub-section

11.-

Rules Governing Aggravation

Article 183.-

Ordinary Aggravation.

In general cases of aggravation provided by law (Art. 84) the Court shall determine the penalty without going beyond the maximum limit of the penalty specified in the relevant provision of the Special Part of this Code, taking into account the nature and the multiplicity of grounds of a aggravation, as well as the degree of guilt of the criminal.

Article 184.-

Aggravation of Penalty Concurrent Crimes.

in

Case

of

(1) , In case of material concurrence of crimes (Art. 85) the Court shall determine the penalty on the basis of the general rules set out hereafter, taking into account, for the assessment of the sentence, the degree of guilt of the criminal: (a) where capital punishment or life imprisonment is determined for one of the concurrent crimes punishable with deprivation of life or liberty or where the maximum term of imprisonment provided under the provisions of this General Part (Arts. 106 and 108) is imposed for one of the concurrent crimes punishable with imprisonment of the same kind, this penalty shall, subject to the provisions of sub-article 1(c) and (e) of this Article override any other penalties that would have been imposed on the other concurrent crimes.

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However if, instead of one of the penalties specified above, a sentence of imprisonment below the maximum laid down in the General Part of this Code has been passed for the most serious crime, the Court shall aggravate the sentence on account of the other concurrent crimes in. accordance with sub-article (1) (b) of this Article. (b) in case of two or more concurrent crimes entailing loss of liberty the appropriate penalty for each crime shall be determined and added. However, the duration of the total penalty may not go beyond the general maximum fixed in the General Part of this Code for the kina of penalty applied. In case of concurrent crimes entailing simple imprisonment and rigorous imprisonment, simple imprisonment of two years shall, for purposes of this Article, be deemed to be equivalent to rigorous imprisonment of one year. (c) in case of concurrence between a penalty entailing loss of liberty and a fine the Court may impose both penalties. When imposing the sentence it shall apply the. provision of subarticle {1 )(b) in case of imprisonment, and the provision of sub-article (1)(d) in case of fine. (d) in case of two or more concurrent crimes entailing fine the appropriate penalty for each fine shall be determined and added. Without prejudice to cases where the criminal acted for gain (Art.92), the total amount may not, exceed the general maximum prescribed in the General Part of this Code.

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(e) where the Court orders the forfeiture of the criminal's property in case of one of the concurrent crimes, it may not impose a fine on account of the other crime. Where there exists concurrence of crimes as defined in Article 60(c) of this Code the punishment shall, unless otherwise provided, be determined in accordance with the provisions of sub-article (1) of this Article, (3) Any secondary penalty or preveDtive, corrective or safety measure may be applied even though its application is justified under only one of the relevant provisic;ms or in respeyt of only one of the concurrent crimes. Article 185.Special Case. (2)

(1) In case of related crimes, when one of them was 'committed with the intent of making possible, facilitating or cloaking another crime, the Court shall aggravate to the maximum permitted by law the penalty determined ,under the preceding Articles. (2) Where such concurrence constitutes a special aggravated crime such as aggravated murder or robbery according to the Special Part of this Code, the appropriate provisions shall apply. Article 186.Retrospective Concurrence. (1) Where iHs discovered that another concurrent crime had been committed before judgment by a criminal while serving or after having served a sentence for a crime for which he was convicted, the Court shall assess sentence, so that the criminal is not punished more severely than if all the crimes had been tried together.

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(2)

111

The Court, taking into account the penalty already imposed, shall determine the appropriate penalty in accordance with the preceding Articles.

(3) Where different penalties have been imposed in separate trials before different Courts or divisions on charges which should have been tried together the aggregate sentence shall be determined in accordance with the preceding Articles.

Article 187.Aggravation Notional Concurrence.

of Penalty tn Case of

(1) Where by one and the same act the criminal committed a breach of several criminal provisions (notional concurrence Article 65), the Court may aggravate the penalty according to the provisions of Article 184 particularly Where the criminal's deliberate and calculated disregard for the law or the clear manifestation of the criminal's bad character so justifies aggravation. In other cases the Court may only impose the maximum penalty prescribed by the most severe of the relevant provisions. (2) In case of notional concurrence resultin!:) in crimes with different mgterial consequences, the Court shall aggravate the penalty as follows: (a) where at least one of the concurrent crimes committed by the criminal is intentional (Art. 66(1)(a) and (b)), the penalty shall be determined in accordance with the provision of Article 184.

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(b) where the concurrent crimes are committed negligently (Art. 66(1)(c), a penalty shall be imposed without exceeding the maximum penalty prescribed in the Special Part of this Code for the most serious crime. (c) where the criminal intentionally committed crimes endangering public security or interest (Art. 66(2)), the penalty shall be aggravated in accordance with the provision of Article 184.

Article 188.(1)

Aggravation in Case of Recidivism.

. Where a fresh crime is committed in the circumstances specified under Article 67 of this Code, the Court shall aggravate the penalty, and may pass a sentence exceeding the maximum penalty laid down in the Special Part of this Code for the fresh crime.

It may double the penalty provided in the Special Part of this Code for the fresh crime or for the most serious fresh crime in case of concurrence. (2) Having regard to the nature and multiplicity of crimes, the degree of guilt and the danger represented by the criminal, the Court may, without being bound by the maximum penalty provided in sub-article (1) above, aggravate up to the maximum penalty laid down in the General Part of this Code for the kind of punishment applied. Where the criminal is a persistent recidivist the Court shall aggravate the sentence by going beyond double the penalty prescribed for the fresh crime.

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(3) The penalty to be determined under the provisions of sub-article (1) or (2) of this Article shall inho case- exceed the maximum penalty prescribed in the General Part of this Code for the kind of penalty applied (Arts. 106 and 108).

Sub-section Article 189.-

/11.-

Cumulation
Aggravating

of

Extenuating

and

Circumstances

Cumulation of Different Extenuating and Aggravating Circumstances.

In case of different extenuating and aggravating circumstances, the Court shall determine the penalty as provided below: (1) In the event of concurrent general aggravating and extenuating circumstances the Court shall first fix the penalty having regard to the aggravating circumstances (Art. 183) and then shall reduce the penalty in light of the extenuating circumstances (Arts. 179, 180). Where in a case of recidivism the criminal 'same time been convicted of concurrent Court shall first assess sentence for the crimes and then increase it having recidivism. has at the crimes the concurrent regard to

(2)

(3)

When there exist different types of aggravating and extenuating circumstances specified in sub-article (1) and (2) above, the Court shall first fix the penalty having regard to the aggravating circumstances and then shall reduce the penalty in light of the extenuating circumstances.

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Section II. Sub-section Article 190.1.-

Suspens.ion of Penalty
Conditional Principle. Suspension of Penalty

When the Court, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, considers that conditional suspension of the penalty will promote the reform and reinstatement of the criminal, it may order conditional suspension of the s~ntence as provided hereinafter. Such an order implies an appeal to the cooperation of the criminal for his own reform and may at any time be revoked if circumstances show that it is not justified.

Article 191.-

Suspension of Pronouncement Penalty; Suspended Sentence.

of the

When the criminal has no previous conviction and does not appear dangerous and where his crime is punishable with fine (Art. 90), compulsory labour (Arts. 103 and 104) or simple imprisonment for not more than three years (Art. 106), the Court, after having convicted the criminal, may suspend sentence and place thE:criminal on probation, where it is of the opinion that such decision will lead to the reform of the criminal.
No conviction shall be entered when a criminal is placed on probation and does not break the conditions of his probation.

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Article 192.-

Suspension of Enforcement of the Penalty. When the Court considers that the criminal. _whether previously sentenced or not (Art 194). shall receive a warning it shall enter a conviction and pass sentence but may order that the enforcement of the sentence be suspended fora specified period of probation The Court may not, however. suspend the enforcement of measures (Arts. 127-159). If the probation .is successfully undergone the sentence shall be remitted. but the conviction enteree! in the Judgment register shall remain witH all its oHler consequences. Cumulation of Penalties: Divisibility of Suspension. If there is a cumulation of penalties. in particular when secondary penalties are imposed. the Court may, for public securities or general interest. decide not to extend the measure of suspension to some of the penalties on account of their preventive nature and the interest attaching to their enforcemE3nt

Article 193.-

Article 194.-

Disallowance Suspension.

and

Withdrawal

of

(1) Suspension of the enforcement of a penalty stlali not be allowed: (a) where the criminal has previously already unde.rgone a sentence of rigorous imprisonment or a sentence of simple imprisonmentfora term exceeding three years and where he is sentenced again to one of these penalties for the crime for wh.ich he is tried. without prejudice to the provisions regarding recidivism (Arts. 67 and 188).

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(b) where the criminal, having not been sentenced previously, is sentenced to a term of rigorQus imprisonment exceeding five y~ars for the crime for which he is now tried. (2) Similarly grant~d: the Court may revo~e the suspension

(a) where,. after having been granted a suspension of penalty, iJ is piscovered, that the criminal had committed, a crime and where the nature and extent of the penalJy, that would be impo$ed for the crime, saJisfy the requirement under sub-

article (1)(a) above; or

(b) where the criminal, having been granted suspension of penalty, intentionally commits a fre$h crime during the period of probation Article 200 (2); or (c) where th~ Court is of the opinion that the conditional suspension in theprevio,Us case wiH not produce good results.

Article 195:-

Enquiry.

Where the Court is of the opinion that previous enquiry is necessary for the purpose of deCiding whether suspension should be granted, it shall require

information as to antecedents, character, living and

working conditions suspension. of the criminal applying for

Information may be given by ,.a supervisor or a reliable welfare worker or an officer. ofa charitable organization.

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Article 196.-

117

Common Probation.

Provisions:

Period

of

(1) In choosing either of the two forms of suspension

(Arts. 191 and 192), the Court snail give grounds for its decision.
It may not give an order the antececJents, character accused afford a reasonable suspension will produce good (2) of suspension unless and attitude of the presumption that the results.

The Court shal.1 fix the probation period imposed upon the criminal taking into account the gravity of his crime, the risk of a relapse and his reliability. The probation period shall be of at least two years and may not exceed five years~

Article 197.-

Conditions of the Probation.

(1) Conditional suspension shall follow upon the criminal entering into a formal undertaking to be of good conduct, to accept the requirements laid down, as well as to repair, to the fullest extent possible, the damage caused by the crime or to pay the indemnity to the injured person (Art. 101) as well as to pay the judicial costs within the time therefor. (2) The Court shall require a security for the undertaking. It may consist in a guarantee of a personal or material nature. It shall determine it having regard to the circumstances and the possibilities of the case.

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Article 198.(1)

The Court shall specify the rules of conduct, protection and supervision, which 9Ppear to it to be necessary . Such rules may prescribe, in particular, the requirement of learning a trade, residing, working or living in a particular place, refraining from consorting with certain people or consuming alcoholic beverages, remitting to the probationer's family, guardian or protector part of his earnings, undergoing a requisite treatment or subjecting himself to any other similar measure for securing the success of the probation.

(2)

Rules of conduct shall take into account the individual criminal's needs, according to the circumstances and the nature of the risk run and shall be framed with a view to his reform, in accordance with the provisions of the law. They must not be inconsistent with the aims of the institution of suspension, nor prescribe requirements which are incompatible with the provisions of the law.

(3) The rules of conduct laid down may be varied at the request of the probationer, his protector, guardian or guarantor, or on the application of the Attorney General where the necessity is apparent.

Article 199.-

Control and Supervision.

(1) Upon granting suspension

the Court shall, if it is necessary, place the criminal under the supervision of a protector, guardian, probation officer or a charitable organization in general (Art. 208).

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The protector or supervising officer shall keep in touch with the probationer: he shall visit him at home or at his place of work, make arrangements for his leisure'hours, give him guidance and facilitate to the best of his ability his readjustment ,in life and his reform.

The protector or supervising officer shall exercise over the probationer a regular but unobtrusive control and report. at least every three months and at more frequent irtervals when necessary to the appropriate probation commission.
(2) The. organization and the duties of the probation commissions and probation officers shall be regulated by law.

Article 200.-

Effect of Failure of Probation.

(1) If during the period of probation the probationer infringes one of the rules of conduct imposed upon him, evades supervision or the authority of the charitable organization to which he is entrusted, commits a crime by negligence or in any other manner betrays the confidence placed in him,subject to his being prosecuted for the crime he negligently committed, a formal warning shall be addressed to him by the Court. If necessary, fresh rules of conduct or the extension of the probation period origini:1l1y fixed may be imposed within the limits permitted by law.

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(2)

If the probationer persists in his attitude or his conduct despite this formal warning or if he intentionally commits a fresh crime during the probation period the measure of suspension shall be revoked by the Court but not before the probationer has been given an opportunity of being heard. A second suspension cannot be awarded for a new crime intentionally committed. In such a case the Court shall pronounce the penalty which it had suspended and order its enforcement or order the enforcement of the p~nalty which it had imposed. If the measure of suspension is cancelled on the ground of a fresh and intentional crime, subject to the provisions regarding recidivism (Art. 188), the penalty shall be aggravated by adding the penalty for the fresh crime to the penalty pronounced or to be pronounced.

(3)

Sub-section

11.-

Conditional Release

Article 201.-

Principle.

In all cases where a penalty or measure entailing loss of liberty provided by this Code is imposed, anticipatory conditional release may be awarded by way of probation at the end of the period of enforcement provided bylaw, when the general requirements therefor are satisfied (Art. 202); Conditional release must be regarded as a means of reform and social reinstatement. It must be deserved by the criminal to whom it is applied and must be awarded only in cases where it affords a reasonable chance of success.

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Article 202.-

Conditions for Release.

(1) Where a prisoner has served two-thirds of a sentence of imprisonment or twenty years in case of life imprisonment, the Court may, on the recommendation of the managemenl of the institution or on the petition of the criminal, order conditional release: (a) if, during the requisite period of performance of the penalty or the measure entailing loss of liberty, the criminal, by his work and conduct, gave tangible proof of his improverJ;1ent; and (b) if he has repaired, as far as he could reasonably be expected to do, the damage found by the Court or agreed with the aggrieved party; and (c) if the character and behaviour of the criminal warrant the assumption that he will be of good conduct when released and that the measure will be effective. (2) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, conditional release shall not be granted to persistent recidivists.

Article 203.-

Information Concerning Conditional Release.

(1) Prisoners shall be informed upon their conviction and when entering the institution to which they are committed of the possibility rand conditions of their antiCipatory release. (2) The Director of the institution shall recommend release of the criminal where the conditions for granting release appear to have been fulfilled or shall submit .thepetition of the criminal to be released together with his opinion.

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.

Article 204.-

Period of Probation.

Upon ordering conditional release the Court shall fix a period of probation which unless otherwise ordered, shall expire at the end of the sentence or the measure which remains to be undergone.
This period shall in no case be of less than two years nor, subject to any provision to the contrary, of more than five years. In the case of a criminal sentenced to life imprisOnment the period of probation shall not be less than five years and not more than seven years.

Article 205.(1)

Rules of Conduct and of Supervision.

rules of conduct to be observed by the

Appropriate

probationer during the period of probation shall be laid down in accordance with the foregoing general . provisions (Art. 198). They shall, in particular, take into account the age and character of the released prisoner, the risk to which he may be exposed and the degree of the reliability of his family, employmerit and social circumstances upon leaving the institution. The fulfillment of these conditions shall, as far as possible, be prepared prior to release with the assistance of the management of the institution and the protection, guardianship or the competent public authority.

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(2) The released probationer shall, unless

123

otherwise

ordered, be subject to the supervision, direction and guidance of a protector or charitable organization (Art. 208). However, this measure may not be passed in cases where it cannot be enforced or where its enforcement is unnecessary.

Article 206.-

Resultof Probation.
for probation and con'ditions under

(1) The requirements

which it can be revoked shall be governed by the forgoing general provisions (Art. 200). (2) When the conditional release has been revoked the

released person shall be sent back to the institution from which he had been released.

The time spent in conditional liberty shall not be deducted from the term of the sentence or duration of the measure still to be undergone. If a fresh crime has meanwhile been committed, subject to the provisions regarding recidivism (Arts. 67 and 188), the penalty to be pronounced for the new crime shall be added to the remaining penalty and enforced. (3) If the released person is of good behaviour until the expiration of the period of probation his release shall be final and his penalty extinguished.

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Article 207.-

Effect of Measures.

Prohibitions

and

Other

(1) When, in addition to a penalty entailing loss of liberty,

a prohibition to practice a trade or profession (Art. 123(c)), to resort to certain places or there to reside, or obligatory residence or expulsion (Arts. 145-150) has been ordered, the Court may, in the event of conditional release and upon such release, order by way of probation, the suspension of the prohibition (Art. 152) if having regard to all the circumstances it seems desirable. It shall be guided by the degree of reform of the released person, the disappearance or diminution of his dangerous disposition and the favourable effect that suspension may be expected to produce on his reinstatement. (2) The Court shall so decide after enquiry (if any) and on the recommEmdation of the penitentiary authority and the appropriate supervisory authority and the appropriate supervisory authorities. It shall determine the conditions, limitation or guarantees (security, control, etc.) upon which the attempt at resumption of normal life shall be conditioned. (3) When a conditionally released criminal has behaved himself in accordance with the rules of conduct imposed upon him without any blame and appears to be reformed such that it is not likely that he will again commit the crime for which a penalty restricting liberty or entailing expulsion was imposed, the additional penalty or measure lhat was imposed upon him shall no longer be applied.

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Sub-section Article 208.-

111.-

Supervision by a Charitable Organization Principle.

Supervision by a charitable organization is an essential feature of the system aiming at obtaining good results from the enforcement of penalties and measures and the various methods whereby such enforcement is carried out The placing under the supervision of a charitable organization is compulsory in all cases wherl3 the law so provides. In all other cases a criminal either conditionally or finally released may at all times voluntarily have recourse to the help or assistance of such an organization. The responsible charitable bodies shall be bound to afford him their assistance. Article 209.Purpose aq~ Duties.

(1) The duties of the charitable organizations consist in . affording criminats who have to 'teadjustthemselves to life in the community, either during a period of suspension or after their conditional or finaL release from a penalty or a measure entailing lost of liberty, counsel, guidance and moral and material assistance with a view to achieving the purpose of reinstatement which is aimed at, and forestalling a future relapse. The appointed charitable organization may, in particular, place the protected persons in emploYment or find for them, or assist them in finding, work, an employer, lodgings. or relief, direct them as to the proper use of their savings Qr earnings and, generally, give them every other support necessary to enable them to lead an honest life.

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(2)

It shall exercise

regular supervision

over them but

with such discretion and to the

as is proper so as not to risk and report to the Court authorities whenever

impairing their rehabilitation, competent necessary.

Article 210.-

Organization.

(1) The aforesaid association

duties shall be carried .of a public

out by the or private

or groups,

character, which devote their activity thereto, with the assistance and under the control of the State.

They may be entrusted to .aqualifi~d protector or

officer of unimpeachable morality, to be

probation

appointed from case to case.

Unless. otherwi~~ necessary they shall.not be entrusted to poHceauthorities. (2) The. detailed cOQditions shall be r~gulated in law conc~rning t.he enforc~ment of penalties and orders dealing with this matter.

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CHAPTER II DISCONTINUANCE AND EXTINCTION Of THE PROSECUTION AND THE PENAL TV Section 1.Sub-section

Absence of Accuser or Accused

1.-

Absence of Accusation or Complaint Right of Complaint General. or Accusation in

Article 211.-

(1) Prosecution with a view to a judgment and the enforcement of the penalty is a public proceeding and is instituted by the public prosecutor in all
.
,

cases where the law does not otherwise expressly

'. ". I

~. .

provide. (2) Prosecution by the public prosecutor does not exclude the right of lodging a complaint or accusation to the competent public authorities. Article 212.-

Crimes p'unishable upon a Formal Complaint.

Where the law .in the Special Part of this Code or in any other legislation 'that complements criminal law provides tha.t a crime is:punis~able upon .complaint, no. charge shalLbe institute~ag~inst the, criminal unless th~ injured party or his legal representative institute~a cOr1lplair;1t.

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128 Article 213.Criminal Code Time within Complaint. which

to

Lodge

The complaint must be lodged within three months from the day when the injured person knew of the criminalact or the criminal. Upon expiration of th.is period of time he shall be deemed to have renounced so doing unless he was materially incapadtatedfrom acting, and the ..complaint shall no longer be entertained. Where a complaint is not made owing to the aforesaid ground, the period of three months shal.1run from the day on which the incapacity ceased to exist.
Sub-section 11.-

Death of an Accused or a Convicted Person

Death of the Conviction: Accused Prior to

Article 214.-

A prosecution may neither be instituted..nor continued where an accused person dies before the institution of a charge in a COLJrt. or pefere the pronouncement of judgment.
J,

Article 215.-

Death of a Convicted Person.

. \ ' '

Death of a cohvictedperson after asen:~nce has been passed puts an end to the enforcement of the penalties and any measures pron'()unced.

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Section II.~
Sub~section

Limitation as to Prosecution and Penalties

1.-

Limitation as to Prosecution

Article 216.~ (1)

Principle and Effect.

Unless otherwise provided by law, in all criminal cases the prosecution and the criminal action shall be barred and may no longer be instituted or brought upon the expiration of the legal period of time stated below. Limitation extinguishes the liability to punishment in respect to any of the participants. As soon as the limitation period has elapsed neither a conviction nor penalties or measures may be pronounced.

(2)

Even where .the defendant fails to raise the barring of the charge by a period of limitation the Court or the Prosecutor shaH, at any time, consider the barring of the charge by limitation. Ordinary Limitation Periods.

Article 217.-

(1) The limitation period of a criminal action shall be as follows:

(a) twenty-five years for crimes punishable with death or rigorous imprisonment for life; (b) twenty years for crimes punishable with rigorous imprisonment exceeding ten years but not exceeding twenty-five years; (c) fifteen years for crimes punishable with rigorous imprisonment exceeding five years but not exceeding ten years;

"if

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(d) ten years for crimes punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years; (e) five years for crimes punishable with simple imprisonment exceeding one year; (f) three years for crimes. punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding one year, or with fine only.
(2) In respect of concurrent crimes: (a) the period of limitation for one of the crimes shall apply to all of them where the maximum penalty of each crime is the same; (b) the period of limitation for the most serious crime shall apply to the other crimes where the maximum penalties of the concurrent crimes are different.

Article 218.-

Special Periods.

Subject to the provision of Article 213, the period of limitation of any crime punishable upon complaint shall be two years.
Article 219.(1)

Calculation of Periods.

Limitation periods shall be determined on the basis of the maxi[Dum penalty. provided by the provision of the Special Part without regard to the extenuating or aggravating circumstances involved in the case. Where the law penalizes the act with several penalties to be applied either alternatively or concurrently the periods shall be calculated on the basis of the most severe penalty.

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(2) The limitation period shall begin to run from the day on which the criminal first exercised his criminal activity . If the crimina1 act was committed repeatedly the period shall begin to run from the day on which the last act was performed; if it was pursued over a period of time the period shall begin to run from the day on which it ceased. Where achieving a given result is one of the constituents of the crime the period shall begin to run on the day on which this result occurr~d.

Article 220.-

Suspension of Period of Limitation.

(1) Limitation shall be temporarily suspended as long as there subsists a bar in law or in fact.

It shall also be suspended where a charge has been instituted and the case is undergoing a judicial proceeding, or where the decision in the criminal case against the defendant cannot be given until other proceedings have been completed. Upon removal of the bar the period of limitation shall revive and continue its course. (2) In all cases where the law requires the lodging of a complaint for the institution of a prosecution the absence of this formality shall not prevent the limitation period from running.
Similarly, any act of the criminal voluntarily done to hinder the institution or continuation of the prosecution shall not prevent the limitation period from running.

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Article 221.-

Interruption of Period of Limitation.

The limitation period shall be interrupted by any order, act or decision for purposes of search, summons, prosecution or investigation in relation to the crime or the criminals. Upon each interruption the whole period of limitation shall begin to run afresh. The interrupting act shall be absolute as to its effect; it is effectual towards all the participants in the crime, whether known or unknown.

Article 222.-

Absolute Limitation.

Whatever the circumstances may be the prosecution and the criminal action shall be barred in all cases when a period equal to double the ordinary period of limitation provided by law (Art. 217) has elapsed or, in cases where a special period applies (Art. 218), when such a period has been exceeded by half.

Sub-section

11.-

Limitation of Penalties and Measures Principle and Effect.

Article 223.-

(1) Unless otherwise expressly provided by law, when for any reason whatsoever the sentence has not been enforced within the period of time stated below, the right to enforce it shall be extinguished and the penalty or measure pronounced no longer enforceable (Arts. 224-228).

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The limitation of the principal penalty shall entail the limitation of any secondary penalties. or measures. The limitation of the principal penalty shall also apply to the confiscation of property related with the penalty.<However, where measures are imposed without principal penalties the provision of Article 224(d) shan apply. (2) Limitation must be carried out on their own initiative by all appropriate judicial or executi~e authorities. (3) Despite the non-execution of the sentence passed

due to the expiry of the-period of limitation, its entry shall remain in-the ju~gmentregisterof the criminal.

Article 224.-

Ordinary Periods of Penalties and Measures.

Limitation

of

(1)

The period of limitation of the penalties or measures shall be as follows: (a) thirty years for a death sentence or a sentence for rigorous imprisonment for life; (b) twenty years' for a sentence for. rigorous imprisonment for more than ten years; (c) ten years for a sentence entailing loss of liberty for more than one year; (d) five years for all other penalties or measures.

(2)

In the event of concurrent penalties, the lighter penalties shall be barred at the same time as the most severe penalty.

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Article 225~-

Calcmatron

of tlt.e. Period.

'(1) The period of ,limitation shall run from the day on

which the judgment, being final, was enforceable or, if the enforcement had commenced, from the day on which the convict evaded such enforcement When the convict was granted the benefit. of a measure of suspension and. such suspension was cancelled, the period shall start. from the day on which the enforceme~t of the penalty was ordered. (2) Where concurrent penalties have been decided the period of limitation shall be calculated on the basis of the period of limitation for the most severe penalty. Article 226.Suspension of Period of Limitation of
and Measures.

. Penalty

The limitation of the penalty or measure shall be suspended: (a) whenever penalty or measure cannot be carried out or continued under the provisions of the law, and as long as such impediment subsists; (b) as long as the convict enjoys the benefit of a measure of suspension or probation or was granted time for payment; (c) as long as he is imprisoned pursuant to a penalty entailing loss of liberty or an order of measure.

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Article 227.-

Interruption of Period of Limitation of Penalty.

Limitation shall be interrupted by any act for the enforcement, or aiming'at the enforcement, of the penalty performed by the authority responsible for such
.

enforcement. Absolute Period of Limitation Penalties and Measures. of

Article 228.-

.' Thelil1)itation of the penalty or the measure shall in all circumstances be final when the ordinary period (Art. 224) is exceeded by one half, save when, during this period, the criminal showed that he is dangerous by committing an intentional crime punishable with at least rigorous imprisonment.
Section ./11..2

Pardon and Amnesty

Article 229..-

Pardon.

(1) Unless otherwise provided by law, a sentence may be remitted in whole or in part or commuted into a penalty of a lesser nature or gravity by an act of pardon of the competent authority.
Pardon may apply to all penalties and measures, w,hether principal or secondary and whatever their gravity, which are enforceable. (2) The conditions of pardon shall be governed by the relevant provisions of public law. The order granting pardon may determine the conditions to which it is subjected and its scope.

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Pardon shall not cancel the sentence the entry of

which shall remain in the judgment register of the

criminal and continues to produce its other effects.
Article 230.(1)
.

Amnesty.

Unless otherwise provided by law, an amnesty may be granted in respect to certain crimes or certain classes of criminals, either absolutely or subject to certain conditions or obligations, by the appropriate competent authority, when circumstances seem to indicate that such a measure is expedient.
.

The conditions of granting amnesty shall be as

. provided by law. The law. shall specify its purpose, the beneficiaries and its scope. (2) An amnesty bars or discontinues any prosecution from the moment of its promulgation. When a sentence has been passed an amnesty cancels it as well as all its other consequences under criminal law. The conviction shall be presumed to be non-existent and the entry deleted from the judgment register of the criminal.

Article 231.(1)

Civil Reparation

and Costs. any civil to injured

Pardon or amnesty shall not affect reparation and the payment of damages persons.

(2)

Unless otherwise provided by the order granting pardon or amnesty, costs incurred towards the State and which have not yet been collected shall be regarded as remitted by either measure.

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Section IV.Article 232.-

Reinstatement
Principle.

(1) A convict who has undergone his penalty or whose penalty is barred by limitation or has been remitted by pardon or whose penalty has been suspended on probation or who has been released conditionally may, at his request, obtain his reinstatement and the cancellation of his conviction, if he fulfils the conditions mentioned hereinafter. Reinstatement must be deserved and shall never be granted as of right. (2) If the convict who satisfies the requirements prescribed by law is incapable of acting by himself or has died, the request may be made by his legal representative or a next-of-kin.

Article 233.-

Conditions for R.einstatement.

Reinstatement shall be granted by the Court: (a) if in the cases of a penalty of rigorous imprisonment, a measure of permanent expulsion or a penalty of general confiscation of property a period of at least five years has elapsed since the penalty was undergone or barred by limitation or since the convict was released because his penalty was remitted by pardon, or since the penalty was suspended or since the convict was conditionally released, where he successfully underwent the period of probation in case of suspension of penalty or conditional release; in other cases, the period must be two years at least;

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(b) if the sentence has been enforced as regards any secondary penalties imposed; (c) if the convicted person has paid the compensation, damages and costs ordered by the judgment in so far as it could be expected from him having regard to circumstances; and (d) if during the period specified in sub-article (a) above the. convicted person was always of good behaviour and has not been convicted of a crime punishable with imprisonment. The minimum period for the conditions of reinstatement specified in sub-article (a) above shall apply only as long as it does not affect the period regarding recidivism as laid down in Article 67 of this Code.

Article 234.-

Special Cases.

(1) When the penalty is barred by limitation reinstatement may not be ordered before the time at the earliest when the penalty pronounced would have come to an end if it had been undergone on the coming into force of the sentence.

(2) When a notably praiseworthy act performed by the applicant in the civil, military or social fields so justifies, reinstatement may be ordered prior to the expiration of the normal period of time.

Article 235.-

Effects of Reinstatement.
the sentence, shall

Reinstatement, since it cancels produce the following effects:

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139

(1) the convicted any forfeitures

person is relieved, for the future, of of rights or privileges, incapacities to and recovers the capacity

and disqualifications

exercise his civil, family and professional rights; (2) the sentence existent; (3) a reproach referring to an old conviction made either by ill-will or any other reason shall come under the provisions of criminal law regarding defamation, and the defences based upon justification or public interest shall ~ot be admissible. shall be deleted from the judgment

register and for the future be presumed to be non-

Article 236.-

Dismissal and Renewal of the Request.

If the Court dismisses the request for reinstatement as unjustified it cannot be renewed before a period of two years has elapsed.

Article 237.-

Revocation of the Decision.

Reinstatement shall be revoked and may no longer be granted when subsequently, within a period of five years, a fresh sentence to capital punishment or rigorous imprisonment has been imposed upon the reinstated person by a judgment which is final.

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PART II
SPECIAL PAR T

BOOK III CRIMES AGAINST THE STATE OR AGAINST NATIONAL OR INTERNATIONAL INTERESTS TITLE I CRIMES AGAINST THE STATE. CHAPTER I CRIMES AGAINST THE NATIONAL STATE
Section 1.-

Crimes against The Constitutional Order and the Internal Security of the State I. - Crimes Against the State the Constitution or

Sub-section

Article 238.Constitutional

Outrages against the Constitution or the Order. threats,

(1) Whoever, intentionally, by violence, conspiracy or any other unlawful means:

(a) overthrows, modifies or suspends the Federal or State Constitution; or (b) overthrows or changes the order established by the Federal or State Constitution, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from three years to twenty-five years.

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(2) Where the crime has entailed serious crises against public security or life, the punishment shall be life imprisonment or death. Article 239.Obstruction Constitutional of the Powers. exercise of

Whoever, by violence, threats or any other unlawful means, restrains or prevents any official or body constituted by the Federal or State Constitution from exercising their. powers or forces them to give a decision,. is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not e}(ceeding fifteen years. Article 240.Armed Rising or Civil War.

(1) Whoever intentionally: (a) organizes or leads a revolt, mutiny or armed rebellion against any official or body constituted by a Constitution; or (b) raises civil war, by arming citizens or inhabitants or by inciting them to take up arms against one another, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from ten years to twenty-five years. , (2) Where the crime has entailed serious crises against public security or life, the punishment shall be life imprisonment or death. (3) Whoever of his own free will takes part in the movement mentioned in sub-article (1) of this Article is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from seven years to twenty years.

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(4) Where it is proved that the organizer or participant has caused injury to life, liberty, person, health or property or has committed another crime, he shall in addition be liable under the relevant provision of the law.

Article 241.-

Attack on the Political Integrity of the State.

or Territorial

Whoever, by violence or any other unconstitutional

means, directly or indirectly, commits an act designed tddestroythe unity of the peoples, or to destroy the Federation, or to sever part of the territory or population from the Federa.tion or the State, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from ten years to twenty-five years, or, in cases of exceptional gravity, life imprisonment or death.

Article 242.-

Violation of Sovereignty.

Territorial

or

Political

Whoever, contrary to the national law, the principles of international law, rules or treaties: (a) enters the territory of the State for the purpose of there engaging in any subversive activity; or (b) proceeds, within the territory of the State, to perform on behalf of a foreign power or organization acts which are within the jurisdiction of the public authorities of Ethiopia, particularly investigations, searches or judicial inquiries, is punishable with simple imprisonment, or, in cases of exceptional gravity, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years.

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143 Entry or

Article 243.-

UnlawfuJ
Residence.

Departure,

(1) Whoever intentionally: (a) departs from, enters into or resides in the territory of the State in violation of the national

law; or

(b) causes any of the acts.specified in (a) above to be committed, is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine or with both. (2) Whoever, with the intentipn. of obtaining, directly or indirectly, advantage procures illegal entry of a person, who is not either a national or a permanent resident of Ethiopia, into the territory of another State or produces, procure~, provides or possesses a fraudulent travel document or identity card for enabling illegal entry into the Ethiopia territory of the person or performs an act that enables him to illegally remain in Ethiopia without complying with the necessary legal requirements, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from five years to ten years.
(3) Where the life or safety of the migrant is endangered or is subjected to inhuman or degrading treatment as a result of the crime committed under sub-article (2) of this Article, the person who. committed the crime shall be punishable from five years to fifteen years of rigorous imprisonment. (4) The punishment shall be in accordance with Article 90 of this Code where the assistance in the commission of one of the acts specified in sub-article (1)(a) ofthisArticleisby a juridical person.

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(5)

Criminal COd-e
Where the act is clearly a petty offence, the relevant provisions of the Code of Petty Offences shall apply.

Sub-section Article 244.(1)

11.-

Injuries

andlnsult

to the State

Attacks against the State and National and other Emblems.

Whoever, by word or by deed orin any other way, abuses, insults, defames or slanders the State in , public, is punishable with simple imprisonment for not less than three months or with a fine not less than five hundred Birr. The act of defamation, slander, abuse or insult is deemed to be committed as defined under Articles 613 and 615.

(2)

Whoever, maliciously, or with contempt or any other . similar intent, publicly tears down, sets on fire, destr.oys ,injures, defaces, insults or in any other way abuses an officially recognized national emblem, such as the flag or insignia of Federal Ethiopia or the Regional States, is punishable with simple imprisonment not less than three months or fine. for

Article 245.-

Unlawful use of Official Emblems.

Whoever makes unlawful use, for any purpose, of such flags or insignia as mentioned under Article 244, is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine.

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Section

11.-

Crimes against the External Defensive Power of the State.

Security

and

Article 246.-

Attacks on the Independence of the State.

Whoever commits an act intended to: (a) jeopardize or destroy the independenct.:: of the State; or (b) provoke intervention by a foreign State in the national affair, calculated to endanger its independence; or (c) initiate hostile acts by a foreign State against the Nation, or to involve it in a foreign war, hostilities, a blockade or occupation, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from five years to twenty~five years, or, in cases of exceptional gravity, with life imprisonment or death.

Article 247.-

Impairment State.

of the Defensive

Power of the

Whoever intentionally impairs the defensive power of the State: (a) by unjustifiable surrendering, or by destroying, sabotaging, or putting out of action any enterprise, installation or position, any means of production, trade or transport or any works, establishments, depots, armaments or resources of a military nature or intended for the defence of the country; or (b) by delivering troops to, or by recruiting a citizen of the State for, or encouraging his enlistment in, the military service of a foreign power, or by himself entering such service, if a citizen; or

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(c)

by publicly instigating refusal to serve, mutiny or desertion, or by inciting ~ person liable to military service to commit any of these crimes; or (d) by obstructing, impeding or in any other way sabotaging military measures taken for the purpose of national defence, is punishable with .rigorous imprisonment from five to twenty-five years, or, in cases of exceptional gravity, such as in time of war or danger of war, with life imprisonment or death.

Article 248.-

High Treason.

Whoever, enjoying Ethiopian nationality or being officially entrusted with the protection of Ethiopian national interests: (a) takes up arms or engages in hostile acts against

Ethiopia; or
(b)

(c)

has dealings with or keeps up a secret correspondence with a power at war with Ethiopia, or with a person or body acting on behalf of such power, for the purpose of ensuring or promoting the enemy's success in any manner whatsoever; or delivers to the enemy, whether directly or indirectly, an object, armament, plan, document or resources of any kind used for the national defence, or aids the enemy by rendering services or delivering supplies to him,

is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from five to twenty - five years, or, in cases of exceptional gravity, with life imprisonment or death.

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Article 249.-

(1) Whoever, enjoying Ethiopian nationality or being officially entrusted with the protection of Ethiopian . national interests: (a) discloses, delivers, communicates or makes accessible to the public, to a foreign State, political party, organization, agent, a secret, a document, negotiations or a decision which the interests of Ethiopia demand shall not be divulged; or (b) while acting as a representative of the State or while entrusted with the conduct on its behalf of negotiations with a foreign power, manifestly sacrifices the interests he is called upon to defend to those of the other power; or (c) destroys, suppresses, purloins, causes to disappear or. falsifies documents, papers or means of proof relating to. the security, Independence or vital interests of the State,

is punishable with rigorous exceeding fifteen years.

(2)

imprisonment

not

In cases of exceptional gravity directly endangering the existence or independence of the State, the Court may impose rigorous imprisonment from ten years to twenty-five years. Where the criminal has acted negligently, the punishment is simple imprisonment for not less than six months, which may be increased to five years rigorous imprisonment in cases of exceptional gravity.

(3)

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148 Article 250...
(1)

Criminal Code

Economic Treas.on.

Whoever, enjoying Ethiopian nationality, or being officially entrusted with the protection of Ethiopian national interests: (a) discloses, delivers, communicates or makes accessibie to the public or abroad economic negotiations, decisions, facts or documents kept secret in the higher interests of Ethiopia or in those of n~tional defence; or (b) discloses. or delivers objects, means or other things of such a nature entrusted to him; or (c) participates in or subscribes to a loan floated by a country in a state of war with Ethiopia, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years. In more. sEpriouscases, the rigorous imprh:;onment may extend up to twenty years.

(2) Where the criminal has acted negligently, the punishment is simple imprisonment for not less than three months. Article 251...

Collaboration with the Enemy.

Whoever enjoying Ethiopian nationality or being officially entrusted with the protection of Ethiopian national interests, in time of war or of total or partial occupation of the territory of. Ethiopia, helps the enemy with advice or by deed, with the intention of promoting the objective of the enemy, in particular:
(a) by exercising on his behalf civil or administrative functions in the judicial, police or prisons services, or in custoclY, transport or other services; or

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(b) by denouncing or handing over to him patriots or

",

fugitives seeking to escape from his restraint; or

by entering any propaganda, publishing or press service design'ed to promote the interests of an enemy or occupying power; or

(c)

(d) by engaging;' directly Of through an intermediary, in dealings involving economic collaboration with such enemy or power, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding twenty years, orin cases/of .exceptional gravity, with rigorousimprisonmentfor life or death. Article 252.Espionage.

(1) Whoever, on behalf of a foreign State, political party or organization, and to the detriment of Ethiopia or of its institutions, organizations or nationals: (a) organizes, engages in or encourages a political, diplomatic, military or economic intelligence service, or recruits or employs another person for such service; or .

(b) collects; transmits; delivers or makes available information of. this nature whiCh 'is secret or is not a matter of public knowledge, to an official service or to a private service or to its agents, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years, where the espionage is harmful to the State or to the public interest, or with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years where it is harmful to private persons or undertakings.

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(2) Where the information divulged is calculated directly to endanger the internal or external security of the State, the punishment is rigorous imprisonment not exceeding twenty years. In cases of exceptional gravity, and especially in the case of political, diplomatic or military espionage carried out in time of war or danger of war, the criminal is punishable with rigorous imprisonment for life, or, where the vital interests of Ethiopia are at stake, with death.

Article 253.-

Protection extended to Allied Powers.

The punishments prescribed in this Section shall also apply where one of the crjmes. thereunder has been committed to the detriment of a power in alliance with or associated with Ethiopia, wh,erever the legislation . of such power provides for reciprocity.

Section/II.-

Common Provisions Indirect Aid and Encouragement.

Article 254.-

(1) Whoeveri being aware tl1at a crime under Articles 241-246, 252-258 h~s been,cormnitted, or attempted or is being prepared, fails. to inform the authorities thereof, or does not to the best of his ability try to prevent the crime frombeiflg yarried out and to bring the criminal to Justipe,save in cases,of force majeure or manifest impossibility, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not
exceeding; five years~

. (2}

When the crime is .comO,1itted in time 0,1internal or

externaL. emergency, the punishment shall rigorpus imprisonment not exceeding ten years. be

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(3) Official or professional secrecy cannot be invoked to evade the obligation to inform the authorities. (4) Kinship or close ties of affection with the perpetrator of the crime cannot be invoked as an excuse in the above-mentioned cases (Art. 83).

Article ~55.- Attempted Incitement and Assistance.

Where the crimes under Articles 238-242, ~46-252 have not been attempted, incitement (Art. 36(2)), assistance (Art. 37(3)), or an attempt to incite or assist (Art. 27(2)), in such crimes, is punishable with simple imprisonment from one month to five years, or with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years in. cases where the foreseeable consequences of the activities are particularly grave.

Article 256.-

Material prep~ration of Subversive Acts.

Whoever, for any of the purposes specified under

Articles 238-242,246-252: (a) recruits, organizes or brings into a country troops, guerillas, bandits or mercenaries; or (b) prepa'~es; stOres up or imports arms, munitions, provisions, money or such material means,
is punishable with rigorous imprisonment fifteen years.' nbt exceeding

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Article 257.-

Provocation and Preparation. Whoever, with the object of committing or supporting any of the acts provided under Articles 238-242,246-252: (a) publicly. provokes them by word of mouth, images or writings; or (b) conspires towards, plans or urges the formation of, a band or group with other persons, whether within or outside the country; or (c) joins such band or group, adheres to its schemes or obeys its instructioros;or (d) enters into relations or establishes secret communication with a foreign government, political party, organization or agent; or (e) launches or disseminates, systematically and with premeditation, by wprd of mouth, images or writil)gs, inaccurate, hateful or subversive information or insinuations calculated to demoralize the public and to undermine its confidence or its willto resist, is punishable with simple imprisonment, or where the foreseeable consequences of his activities are particularly grave, with rigorous impris6nmentnot exceeding ten years. Aggravation to the Crime.

Article 258.-

In all cases in this Chc;lpter for which the law provides the alternative of rigorous imprisonment for .Iife or death, the Court shall pass sentence of death: (a) where the crime has been committed during or under threat of internal disturbance, in time of danger of civil or foreign war or foreign interfer(;!nce, or where martial law o.r any officially recognized state of emergency has . been declared; or

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(b) where the acts are the consequence of a conspiracy brought to fruition, or have been carried out by an organized armed band; or (c) where the criminal has made use of resources, arms, means or support furnished from abroad or by foreign political parties or organizations; or (d) where the criminal has used bombs, dynamite, explosive or other terrorist methods constituting a public danger. Article 259.Additional penalties and measures. (1) In all cases punishable under this. Chapter with rigorous imprisonment, the Court may also impose a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand Birr where the criminal exercises or has been given an authorized power or leadership assignment, or where he hag~acted for motives of self-interest. (2) Where a foreign national has been sentenced to rigorous' imprisonment for five years or more, his expulsion on completion of his sentence. shall be ordered. (3) In all ,cases of treason, espionage or transmission of secrets, the material; correspondence or documents connected with the crime shall be confiscated.

Article 260.C.onfiscation of Property. Whoever being an Ethiopian national, or being officially entrusted with the protection of Ethiopian national interests is found guilty and convicted of anyone of the crimes under Articles 238;240 and 241, or 246- 251 and 252(2) of this Chapter, the Court may, in addition to the principal penalty, order the confiscation of the criminafs property within the limits specified bylaw (Art. 98).

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CHAPTER II CRIMES AGAINST FOREIGN STATES Article 261.- Hostile Acts Against a Foreign State. Whoever, within the territory of Ethiopia and at the risk of endangering peaceful relations with foreign countries: (a) attempts to disturb, by subversive activities, by slander, by malicious propaganda or by violence, the internal political order or security of a foreign State; or (b) infringes a governmental .decision, duly published in the Federal Negarit Gazeta or officially declared by other means, taken for the purpose of safeguarding Ethiopia's neutrality during a foreign war; or (c) provokes, undertakes or encourages acts hostile to a foreign belligerent power, is punishable with simple imprisonment for at least three months, or, in cases of exceptional gravity, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years.

Article 262.- Outrages against Foreign Heads of State, Representatives. and Other Persons Enjoying Protections under International Law. (1) Whoever, within the territory of the State of Ethiopia makes an attack on or endangers the life, liberty or security of head of State or Government, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representative of a foreign State or his family accompanying him or any official or agent of international organization or any other person enjoying protections from any attack under International Law; or endangers his official premise, private accommodations or means of transport; or utters a threat to commit one of the acts specified above;

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155

is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years. (2) Where the'deathbf 'persons specified in sub-article (1) above ensued during the commissi'on of a crime, the relevant provisions relating to homicide shall apply. Article 263.~ Violation o~Foreign Sovereignty.
Whoever, contrary to public international law, for the purpose of .engaging . in' unlawful, subversive or daf'gerous activities:'. ;. (a) enters the territofyofaforeign State; or (b) improperly performs on the territory of such State a.cts falfing within the jurisdiction of the public authorities, is punishable with'simple -imprisonment, or, in more
.

serious

cases.

with rigorous imprisonment not

'

exceeding three years.,

Article 264.~ Insultst.oForeign

States.

(1) Whoever in any way publicly abuses. insults. defames or slanders by word of mouth or by deed, a te, either d fo r eig~ irectly or in the Person' of its . ... . Sta Head, of one of.its constituted authorities, ~f one of its atcredited diplomatic representatives or of one of its' officialrepresentatives' or delegates in the territory of Ethiopia,
..

..:-.

-,

i - -~

..

.-

--

'.

- --

-. -

..
-

..
-

--

--.

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156 Criminal Code is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine.

(2) In grave cases, especially in a case of slander, simple imprisonment shall be. for not less than three months. Article 265.- Insults to the Official Emblems of Foreign States. Whoever, out of iII..will, hatred, c'ontempt' or other improper motives tears down, destroys, defaces, insults or in any other way abUses the' emblems of sovereignty of a foreign State with which Ethiopia maintains peaceful relations, particularly'.its insignia or national flag publicly hoisted by an official r-epresentative of such State,
is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine.
.._(Id~ -1'

Article 266.-

Insults to inter- Stat~ Institutions.

Whoever publicly insults the representatives or the official emblems of an inter- State institution or organization of which Ethiopia is a member, is liable to the punishment provided forunqer Article265.
Article 267.Reciprocity.

The provisions relating to crimes against foreign States laid down. in this Chapter shall apply. only to States . w~ose legislation grants re9iprocal protective treatment to Ethiopia.
)

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157

Nothing in this Article shall affeCt the provision of Article 253. '
Article 268.-

Condition of Prosecution.

Prosecution for a crime under this Chapter can only be instituted where a complaint is lodged by the concerned State or organization and on the approval of the Federal,Ministerof Justice.
,

MLE

II
INTERNATIONAL LAW

CRIMES IN VIOlALTIONOF

CHAPTER I FUNDAMENTAL CRIMES Article 269.Genocide.

Whoever, in time of .war or in time of peace, with intent to '. destroy, in whole orin part, a nation, nationality, ethnical, racial, !1~tional, colour, religious or political group, organizes, orders or engages in: (a) killing, bodily harm or serious injury to the physical or mental health of members of the group, in any way whatsoever or causing thern.to disappear; or (b) measures to prevent the propagation or continued survival of its members. or their progeny; or (c) the compulsory movement or dispersion of peoples or children or their pfacing, ~':Jnderliving conditions calculated to result in their death'or disappearance, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from five years totwenty.five years, or, in more serious cases, with life imprisonment or death.

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158
,ArticJe270.-

Cdminataode
,W,ar Cri,mesaqa!ns,Uhe;OivUian Population.

Whoever, in time of war, armed conflict or occupation organizes, orders or engages in, against the civilian popl.1lation ,al)d il:' violatipn of the rules of public international law and of international humanitarian conventions: (a) kmings,tortur~or inhuma~1fe~~m~nt, including biological experimel'lts, or any other acts involving dire suffering or bodily harm, or injury to mental or physical health; at (b) wilful reduction 16 starvation, destitution or the depreciation, general - ruinatton,'througf;{ counterfeiting or systematic debasement of the currency; or (c) thebompulsory'movement or dispersion of the population, its systematic deportation, transfer or detention in concentration camps' "or forced labour camps; or ,
'

(d) forcible enlistment in the enemy's defence

forces, intelligence services 'or actministration; or , ' (a) denatioraliz~tionorforcible religiousconversion; or
, . .. .. -.0-.. ".. "..".~

(f) ,compulsion toapts ofprostitutibn, qebauchery or rape; or I'(g) m.easures of intimicfationQrterror, the taking of hostages or the i~position of collective
,(h)
,

~ \ , '.

..

pun~shmeots~oJ reprisals; or the /' con.fiscation;.Qfestates, the ,.destruction or appropriation of property, the imposition of unlawful or arbitrary taxes orjevies. or of taxes or ,levies disproportionate to the requirements of strict military necessity; or
"

('e.1nmtaf Code

159

(i)." the' confisCationidestruction; Jemovatr rendering

.'

useless 'G~appropriatibn orpropertysucl1

as

fooostUffS;'!agricuhuralareas"for; the production of foodstutfs.'crOps, tivestock,i;drinking water ~ins~aoons;an~;' SUppliesiamr irrigation works, 'i?h6!a1th 'eentr~sohools;or (j) the.HieStruotion, removal,' ~cattack, rendering use/~s Of:fi1ppropriation of the historical mooUJnern&,cworks ;ot,mt,or:pfaces of worship or ustng ~,tn~wppC)rt.of .mili1aay. effort; or (t<) withhol~;ngthef)fOvi$ion of',doth:tng,. bedding,

mearns of ,'$hetter,medic.at<~/ies and other supplies"essenti,a/...to..the~swvj,val of..the civilian . population ot.the,occupied territory; or ('I)attacking,HtiS~ingfcausing to disappear or mistr.eatin.gp#"SOnswbc,,~~rathe beginning of hostilities; W~fe~nsidered,as,staietess persons .
.

instrUl:nents.or .u:J)(ierthe. national legislationof the State.ofretqge o($tate 9f.residence; or (my' r~cruiting ~rk:fr~n who f\ave'rioJ attained the age otetghteen years'a~ members."Ofdefence forces to tak~ part in'armedCOnt1ict;or (n) using.anymeans'orl~'otcombat against the riatbrat emMoriment tt{ oous6,'widespread, '(long term and severe .damage and thereby w prejudice the healit\"er.survivaiottfte~ation; or '(0) attacking dams, ;dykes, 'and "nuclear electrical . .,generating" stations, if'tOOtr attack causes the
.

or te~gees Under the relevant.international

. release

(p) passing of. sentences and carrying out of executions without previous judgment pronounced by, ar~glJr~lfly constituted Court which affords aUthe,judicial guarantees, is PlJnishablewith rigorous imprispnment from five years t6 twe~ty-fiveyears; or, in more serious cases, with life imprisonment or death.
,

of ':dangerous forces and consequent severe losses among the civilianpopulation;or

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160.

Criminal Code War Crimes against

,

Article 271.-

Wounded,

Sick or

(1) W!1ever, in the circumstances," defined above, organizes, orders or engages in: (a) kilHllgs,'torture, withholding medical care and attention required by their condition or inhuman treatment or other acts, entailing direct suffering or physical or.mental injuryto wounded, sick or -shipwrecked persons,or to members of the medical or first aid service; or (b) the destruction, rendering unserviceable or
,

Shipwrecked Persons or M.edicalServices.

appropriationof supplies, inst~lIations,transport

materials or stores belonging to the medical or first aid services, in a manner which is unlawful, arbitrary or disproportionate to the requirements of s-trictmilitarynecessity; o~ (c) compelling persons engaged in medical, religious and journalistic activities to perform acts or to carry out work contrary to or to refrain from acts required by their respective professional rules and ethics or other rules designed for the. benefit ofJhe wounded, sick or
civilian .population,

jl) puriishable in acco~dance vvithArticle 270. (2) For the purpose of.sub-article (1): ~a) "wounded" and "sick" means persons, whether military or civilian, who, because of trauma, disease or other physical or mental disorder or disability, are in need of medical assistance or care and who refrain from any act of hostility. These terms also cover maternity cases, newly borrFbabies and other persons who may be in need of immediate medi~al assistance or care, such a~ the infirm or expectant mothers, and who refrain from any acfof hostility.

>:'

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(b)
,

161

"shipwrecked" means persons, whether military or civilian, who are in peril at sea or in other

waters or in the air as a result. of misfortune

affecting them or the vessel or aircraft carrying them and who refrain from any act of hostility.

Article 272.-

War Crimes against Prisoners and Interned Persons.

Whoever, in tl'1ecircumstances defined above:

(a) organizes, orders or engages in. killings, acts of torture .Qr inhuman treatment or. acts entailing dire suffering or injurytoprisol1ers of war or "interned persons; or, (b) compels such p~rsons to enlist in the enemy's defence forces or intelligence or administrative . services,' is punishable in accordance with Article 270. .'

Article 273.-

PiUage, Piracy and Looting.

Whoever organizes, orders or engages in looting, piracy, pillage, economic spoliation or the unlawful destruction orrenioval of property on the pretext of military
,necessity ,

is punishable in accordance with Article 270.

Article 274.-

Provocation and Preparation.

crimes provided for in the

Whoever, with the object of committing, permitting or

supporting any of the preceding Articles:

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162

Ctiminat.Code, '(a)-publicly 'provokes or encourages, by word,of mouth,

.

..imagesorwritirigs;br

" . (u) conspires towards Or plans with another, urges the

formation-Of,arhimselfforms a band or group,joins

sacha band'or .group, adheres to its schemes or obeys its instructions, is punishabl~ with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years. Article 275.- Dereliction of Duty Towards th.e Enemy. Whoever, in time of war and contrary to public international law and humanitarian conventions: (a) killsor wounds an enemy who has surrendered or'laid down hl~ arms, or who for any other reasoriis Incapable of defending, or has ceased to Qe(eI1d, himself; or (b) mutilates a "dead persoh; or (c) lays hands on or does violence to a wounded, sic's. ordeagenemyon. the field of battle,. ". with intent to rob'or plunder him; or (d) orders.one.oftAeab9ve acts, is punishable with rigorous 'imprisonment, or, in cases of exceptional gravity, with lifeimprisonment or death. Article 276.Use of Illegal Means of Combat.

Whoever uses, or orders to be used, against the enemy anyme~ns:or method of combat expressly forbidden by Ethiopian law or international conventions. to which Ethiopia is a party,

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is punishable with simple imprisonment for noflessthan three months; or, if the crime is grave, with rigorolJs imprisonment. from five years to twentyfive years; or, in the gravest cases, with life if"!"prisonment or death. Article 277.Breach of Armistice or Peace Treaty.

Whoever, having been officially' informed of an armistice or peace treaty duly concluded an~ contrary to the orders given, continues hostilities, or in any other way kOOWinglyinfringes one of the .

agreed'oonditions,

is punishable with simple imprisonment, or, in more serious cases, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years: Article 278.Franc Tireurs.

Whoever, not being' a'metTTberof an armed force or auxiliarie.s recognized by the-Ett.liopian government '" time of war and contrary to authorities, engages, in public international law, in hostile acts against the Ethiopian Defence Force, its s~rvicesor its lines or means ofeomrnunication or transport, is punishabLe .,withrtgorous 'imprisonment fromUveyears .to twenty.five.years,' or, in cases of exteptionalgravity, wW1life'imprisonmehtor death.

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164

Criminal Code Maltreatment

.

Article 279.-

of, or Dereliction of Duty

towards~ Wounded, Sick,orPrisoners.

Whoever, in violation.. of the. rules of public international law, maltreats a sick or wounded person, or a prisoner of war or war internee, or uses violence against him, or prevents him from exercising or makes it impossible for him to exercise, the rights guaranteed to him by such rules, or issues. orders, to . the same effect, is punishable with . rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years. Article 280.- . Denial of Justice. Whoever, in time of V\{ar or occupation and in violation of the rules of publib internatior)allaw, deprives a civilian,a wounded person, a prisoner or an internee, of his right to be tried according to law guaranteeing him human treatment and the free exercise of his right to defend himself, or orders such deprival; is punishable with simple imprisonment from three years to five years.
CHAPTER 18 HUMANIJ ARIAN
.

CRIMES

AGAINST

ORGANIZATIONS
.

Article 281.- Hostile Acts against International Humanitarian Organizations. (1) Whoever,intentionally and in time of peace:. (a) iridulges. in hostile acts against or . tnreats or
.

insults to persons belonging to the International Red Cross or Red Crescent or to corresponding . humanitarian- relief. organizations or to the representatives of those organizations or to

persons placed under theirprotection; or

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(b) 165

destroys or damages material, installations or depots belonging tothcJseorganizations, is puni~hable with simpleimprisonment,or,..in cases ot~xceptionalgravity, With'rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years. (2) Where the crime tscommitted in time of war, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from one year to five years.

Article 282.-

Abuse of Emblems and ~nsignia of International,Humanitarian Organizations.

,
.

Whoever intentionally:

(a) bears, flies or uses without due authorization the

emblems or insignia of one of the international humanitarian organizations mentioned above; or (b) abuses such emblems or insignia or any other protective device recognized in public international law, in.particularthe white flag, with intent to prepare or to commit hostile acts, is punishable with simple imprisonment, or, in cases of exceptional gravity, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years,

Article 283.- Hostile Acts against the Bearer of a Flag of Truce.

Whoever maltreats, threatens, insults or unjustifiably him,

detains an enemy bearing a flag of truce, or an enemy negotiator, or any person accompanying
.

is punishable with simple imprisonment.

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1 'Tfl'Lt!'ut

:' ",

Mtt..t'fARYCRIMffS;ANo'()RtME$'AQAtNST!~'

THE~NCBt,f;ORO&S

AND.'TflEJPCLtCE

CHAPTER I MIDITAWtCR!lMES)

Sectionl.~ Artic'e 284:~

Breaches --ofli.iabllity~\Serve Refusal to Perform Military Service.

.' (1:},wnoeYer"withintSflt>"tb evade'recruitment or mtlitary service which he is legally bound to perform, fails to obey':an,i, enlistment or moQ.ilimtion 'oro1er,duly served by, personal summonS;'"\1 by placard" or by public

~rm()UOCement.;
i;SptiQi$habte,witl1,simple imprisonment.
"

(2) Where the crime is committed in'time of emergency; genem1'" mobffizatlon or war, the punishment shafibe rigoreus 'imprisonment not eXG8eding:ten yeal5~'

Artic'e285.~

Failure to Comply W'itha Catling~up Order.

(1) \bIh()eve,r:~ wi~~t,seekU1g to~vada recruitment or liability,to mititaryservice. fails;to obey a calling-up notice, in particular for an examination for recruitmet\t. for an i~ti{)n; for training, or in respeototanyothermititaryobtigation; is ptmishabJet,witbisimpJe" imprisonment not exeeeamg"one,year;;,:'

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.',

161

(2) Where the' crime is committed in time of war, emergency, natural disaSter or epidermc, the punishment is rigorous imprisonment not

exceedingJiveyears;

..

Article 286.- Intentionally Contracted Unfitness. (1) Whoever, by maiming or any other voluntary process injurious to his body or health, renders himself, by his own act, or that of another, totally or pa.rUyunfit for service, be itpermanentfy or ternporarify , .

not is punishabte with simple imprisonment . exceeding threeyea..s.

(2) Whoever, for the purpose describ~dabove and with the consent of the interested party, renders the latter by any such act,.totaJlyor partfyunfit for service, is. punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding fiveyears. (3) Where the crirneJs commiUed in time otemergency,

general mobilizatiOn or war, .

the punishmeritiS" rigorous imprisonment not exceeding fifteen years. Article 287.- Fraudulent Evasion of Service. (t)Any member of the Defeflca Forces who, with intent to evade military servipe, be. iLpermanently or temporarily, employs. means .intended .to d~jve the competent cMf or military authority, in particular by usingfafse certificate or document, making a false declaration or by feiQniru.:ran illness or infirmity,

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CriminalCode is punishable with simpJe imprisonment for not less than three years. (2) Where the crime is committed in time of emergency, general mobilization or war, the punishment is rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years.

Articte288.-

Desertion.

(1) Any member of the DefenCe Forces who with intent to evade military service, quits his unit, post or ~ilitary dut!es without proper authority, or fails to return to them after being absent with leav~, is punishable with rigorous irnprionment not exceeding fiye years. (2) Where the crime is committed in time of emergency, general mobilization or' war, the criminal is punishable with rigorous -imprisonment from five years to twenty-five years, or, in the gravest cases, with life imprisonment or death.
Article 289.-

Absence witOouUeave.

(1) Any member of the Defence Forces who, without intent to evade service: a) leaves his militaryunit or evades his militaryduty without proper authority or force majeure; or b) overstays, except in' case of force majeure, a period of leave granted to him,' is punishable with simple imprisonment not
exceeding one y~ar.

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(2) 169

Where the crime is. committed in time of war, the punishment shall. be simple imprisonment not exceeding three years.

Article 290.- Voluntary Forces.

FaUure to

Rejoin

the

Defence

Any member. of the Defence Forces who, in time of war: (a) having. been separated from his unit, fails to rejoin it, or to join the nearest body of friendly troops; or (b) having been taken prisoner, fails upon r~gaining his freedom to report to a military unit or military authority or to return to the ranks, is punishable With simple imprisonment, or, where his failure is intentional and permanent, with rigorous imprisonment fro[Tl three years to ten years.

Section

11.-

Abuse of Mil itsty Authority

Article 291.- Unlawful Exemption from Service.

(1) Whoever, in abuse of his commission or of the military authority conferred upon him, exempts from service a person who is legally under a liability to perform it, is punishable with simple imprisonment for at least six months.
(2) Where the crime is committed in time of emergency, general mobilization or war, the punishment rigorous imprisonmenLnot exceeding ten years. is

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Criminal Code

Article 292.- Threats or Violence against an Inferior.

(1) Any member of the Defence Forces who threatens a person subject to his orders or of lower rank, assaults him, or treats him in a degrading manner, is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding one year. (2) Where the crime is committed with cruelty or violence, weapon or other dangerous instrument, the punishment shall, be simple imprisonment not exceeding five years.

'Section

111.- Breaches of Military Duty .1.-

SutH;ection

Crimes Endangering Good Service Regulations,

Article 293.- Infringement of General Service Regulations.

(1) Any member of the Defence Forces who intentionally fails to comply with general service orders or regulations other than disciplinary cases (Art. 791), is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding six mc:mths. (2) Where the' crime is committed in time of emergency, ,

generalmobilizationor war,

the criminal is punishable with imprisonment not exceeding five years.

simple

(3) Where the crime is due to negligence, the criminal shall be. subject. to disciplinary. punishment in time of peace; in' time of war or other grave circumstances he is punishable with simpleimpnsonment not exceeding one 'year.

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171

Incomptete Olinaccumte offjcial statements:

(1) WhOever, being requi~d' by his commission or military duties to dray,( up an official report or declaration, or to fillup a Service document: (a) intentionally alters or conceals the facts or the truth, leaves blank any detail or figure which his signature is intended to certify, is punish.abiewith .simple..irT;lprisonmentfrom two years to five years. (b) refuses, to draw up or to submit a minute, report or declaration he is required to render,is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding live '~ars. (2) Where the crIme is committed negligently, the . punishment shan be simple imprisonment not exceeding three years. (3) Any member of the Defence Forces who makes a .
'.

the truth from the competent <l.uthorUy.with the object. of obtaining or prolonging leave, is punishable with simple
.

false

statement

or withholds

imprisonment (4) Where the crimejs committed in time of emergency,

general mobilization or war, or is likely to have serious consequences, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment not exceeding five years.

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Article 295." Drunkenness on Active Duty.

(1) Any memberofthe Defence Eorces who:

(a) repeatedly gets drunk while under arms; or

(b) being drunk, disturbs discipline or causes a public scandal, is punishable with simpl~ exceeding three months. imprisonment not

(2) Where the drunken person threatens another with his weapon, or otherwise behaves in a dangerous mannerjhe is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding one year.

Article 296...

Want 01 Discipline.

Arty r:nember,of the Defence. Forces who:

'(a)' absents himself without proper authority from

barracks, camps or military qucirters, or is found without proper order or authority in a place forbidden to him, or outside the bounds laid down for him; or (b) takes part in a quarrel or brawl, orin disturbances, or refuses to obey an order to desist issued . to him by a

superior officer; or

(c) misbehaves or disobeys orders in a hospital, in sickquarters or else-where at the risk of complicating or aggravating his condition or of causing his treatment to be prolonged; or (d) in any other way, by word of mouth, gesture or deed, disturbs good. order or military discipline, is punishable three years. with simple imprisonment not exceeding

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CriminalC9de Article 297..1

173

In~ult~orTlJr~ats

to, or Assaults upon, a

Person of Superior or Equal Rank.

(1) Any m.ember of the DefenG.e Force~ who insults, threatens or molests a person of superior or equal rank or assaul~shim, is punishable with simple imprisonment.
(2) Where the crime is committed with violence or done by the use of a weapon, an instrument or a dangerous object, the punishment. shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years. (3) Where. the ctime is committed in time of emergency, general mobilization or wa.r, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years in respect of a crime under sub-article (1), or rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years in respect of a crime under sub-article (2).

Article 298.-

Insubordination.

(1) Any member of the Defence Forces who intentionally fails to carry out, or refuses to obey, an order relating to his duties. issued by his commanding officer or the competent military authorities, either to him personally or to the unit of which he is a member, be it by wore of mouth, in writing-,by sign or in any other way,
is punishable with rigorous exceeding five years. imprisonment not

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174 CrftniJ1'(I[Code

(2) Whe(~the Grim,~'i9,c~m~t~trit;M~of"em~rgenbY: general ri1obnrza~iofu. or war.ahdwhere the refusal to ()~ey., is, definite,,_;th~, punishm~.nt is rigprous

illiprisonmentriott exceeding' fifteert~ears. ,

. .

(3) Where the crime is of exeeptlOOaI.gravity and is committed'in the:,face.ottheeoomy,' the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment for life or death. Article 299.- Mutiny. (1) Any member of ttw D,efence FOfC~,who, iRconcert with other members, in an unlawful assembly or by any other method, takes part ,in a seditious movement leading!to fnsubordination of revolt, or to threats; violenceol"assauff ODor against a superior officer.or a irtnitaryiautl'1orfty,
.is punishable with Fi~us exceeding fifteeli\!~afs. imprisonment not

(2) Where the mutiny is raised in time of emergency, ,

general mobilization, or war." thepunishmentsh~U be

rigorous imprisonm'entfrom five years to tWenty-five years, or, ,in cases of exceptional gravity, life
Imprisonment or death. '

(3) The ringleaders ororgamizersst:\al1be sentenced to exemplary punishment.{Art. &4I(;t~", (d)}, within the .limits of the$~ pumislnmernts.

Article 300.- ConspiracYlorCon.cert to Baisea,Mutiny. (1) Whoever conspires ,or joins with others for the purpose 6f preparing a mutiny or seditious
movement,

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175

is punishable, ~ccording to thf3,circumstances of the case, 'Withsimple imprisonment, 6rwith rigorous impri~?nment not ~xceeding ~enyears.
',--"

,.'
~

'

'. ~

(2)'Wheretttecrime
. .-

is Committed in ti~

ofamergency, to, twenty

genercit mobilization 'or war. the punishment shall be

rigorous imprisonment from three years
'

~"
:'j.

years:

",

Articfe-301.-

Incitement

and Assistance'.

In cases of.. mutiny. in tim.e pf~mergency,. general, mobilization or war, incitement (Art. 36(2, assistance (Art. 37{3}) or an attempt to incite or assjst. {Art. 27(2; is 'punishable with simple' imprisonment.

Article302.-

Crimes. against Guar(l~, ~ntries

or Patrols.

Insults, threats~ aS$<,\ults, acts. of violence, insubordination or mutiny against a" mititary guard, security, or a patrol on duty are punishable under Article 298. Sub-section 11.Crimes against Guard Duty or Instructions - .:
I

Article 303~- Breaches 9ff3u~rdDuty. (1)Any rriemberof the befe~Forces who:

(a) intentionally ..()r n~ligently

renders himself incapable of'dis~rging his duties as a. guard, be it by drunkenness or otherwi~e; or (b) without proper authority, abandons his post, or quits it before be,il19regularjy relieved,

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176 Criminal Code is punish~ble with simple 'imprisonment.
J, ,1

(2) Where the crime is committed in time of emergency, general mobilization or war, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment notexceeding seven years. (3) Where the crime is committed inten~i9nally in the face of the enemy, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from five years to twenty-five years; or, in grave cases, imprisonment for life or death.

Article 304.- ,Infringem'ento~

Military Instructions.

(1) Whoevera9ts cdntrary to t~e instructions i~sued toa

guard, se'ntry, patrol, escort or to any person with similar duties, is punishable with simple imprisonment. (2) The punishme.nt slWIl be simple imprisonment for not less than six months. where the crime is
.

committed:

(a) when the guard is mounted over a power station supplying electric power or light, dar:ns,. weirs, sluices, dykes, jetties, port installations, major protective works, pr bridg,e~,.., viaducts or crossings of vital importance; or' (b) where it is mounted over an arsenal, locomotives or moto.rized vehicles, an anchqrage, a depot or pa'rk containing equipment, or' a dump of .' weapons, ammuhition,explosives, fuel or provisions; or '(c) in dangerous'zone or while the criminal is on .' frontier guard duties.

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(3) Where the crime is committed in time of emergency, general mobilization or war, the punishment shall be rigorous Imprisoryment ~ot exceeding seven years.

Article 305.- Disclosure or Alteration ofJnstructi6ns.

(1) Any member of the Defence Forces, while on active service, but without committing treaSon: (a) gives countersigns, passwords or secret
.

instructions to any person not entitled to receive

them; or (b) knowingly gives to another entitled to receive them countersigns, passwords or secret instructions other than' those which he has himself received; or (c) fails to give a message which he is required to transfer, is punishable with simple imprisonment, or with rigorous imprisdnment not exceeding ten years. (2) Where the crime is committed in time of emergency, general mobilization 'or war, the punishment shall be: (a) simple imprisonment not exceeding five years, in the case of negligence;, and ' (b) rigorous imprisonment not exceeding twenty .years, in the case of intentional infringement.

Sub-section

111.-

Crimes against Honesty

Article 306.- Misuse or Waste of Maferial.

,

(1) Whoever improperly uses, lends or pawns arms,

munitions, equipment, material' or instruments,

vehicles/ animals, or any other object entrusted or hahded over to him, or to which he has access by reason of his duty or military status,

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Criminal Code is PtJnishable with rigoroU$ imprisonment not

exc~ing

seven years. Qr.~re

the case is not

serious, with simple imprisonment for not less than three months. (2) Whoeveralienates.roakes away with, los~s, abandons, damages, wastes, or destroys any of the objects specified above under sub-article (1), is punishable. where no other provision of this Code applies. with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding fifteen years, even where his military status or functions have ended.
.

(3) Where the instrumE!J1tor object again$t which the

crim~ is committed. ,is essenti~1for security of the

State, the pun~hment shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding twenly-five years. (4) Where the crime is committed in time of war, the purlishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from five years to twenty-fIVe years. or, in .grave cases,
imprisonment for life. '

Article 307.-Malversation

or Receipt of (II-gotten gains.

(1) Whoever, being entrusted with the supervision or guarding, management. procurement or distribution of provisions, money. material, fuel or any. other property: (a) uses them ;,unlawfully,or undervalu~s them in

any manner whatsoever;or

,

'

(b) receives Or..,solicitsany ~nefit, the~from, or in any way has ,an improper interest in the

purchase, sale or distributionaf any provision,

supplies, equipment, goods, or. other objects delivered toa, geJrrison.camp, canteen, barracks or other militaryestablishment,

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is punishable, where the act does not come under another provision of this Code such as breach of trust, fral.ldul~ntadministrati()I1, corruption, extortion or the like, with simple i,nprisonment, or, in more serious cases, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years.
, '

(2) Where
"

crimeis.'committedin
"

tim~ of war, the

punisf'lmel1tshall be rigorous imprisonment not

exceeding twenty years. Section IV.- Crlme$' against tI1e Safety, Morale or Power of Ute Defence Forces Article 308.- F~ilure to repQl1 Danger. (1) Any member of the Defence Forces who fails to inform his commanding officer or the military commancl of an event. or fact of which he is aware and which manifestly calls for immediate military measures, is punisl1able with simple imprisonment. (2) Where the crime is committed in, time of emergency, general mobilization or War, the punist1rna.nt,shall. be ~gorous imprisonment not .
,

exceedingfifteen years.

(3) Failure to,'.r~rt a dang~ror plan"of mutiny or desertion is,Pll~hable under the relevant
provision (Art. .335). c-,

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Article 309.- Failure to take Essential Security Measures. (1) A command,ing officer or any other person in the service of the Defence Forces who intentionally fails, during' military exercise or any other service circumstances, to take on his own initiative the precautionary or security measures. necessary to safeguard the lives or health of persons or animals, or to maintain in gpodorder or to. ensure the safety of the depots, installations, work~,resources or other objects, for which' he is responsible, thereby . hazarding them, is punishable, according to the circumstances of the case, with simple imprisonment, or with rigorous imprisonmentl1ot exceeding five years. (2) Where the criminal has acted negligently, and where the crime appears to justify more than a mere disciplinary penalty, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment not exceeding one year. (3) Where the crime is committed,in time of emergency, general mobIlizationor war, the punishment shall be: (a) in the case of. ~n intentional failure, rigorous imprisonment riot exceeding' seven years, or, rigorous imprisonment not' e~ce-edrng ten years, (b) in the 'case Article 310.where the crime resulted in grave damage; or of negligent failure, simple imprisonment not exceeding three years.

Raising a False Alarm.

(1) Whoever, on the march or in camp, in the field or in barracks, on a warship or on an aerodrome, or in any. ()ther place, intentionally. raises a false alarm,
e~pe~ially by' drawing or discharging his firearm, by beating a drum, sounding a bugle, by signals,
shouts, gestures, or inanyothetway,

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is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding five years: (2) Where the crime is committed in time of emergency, general mobilization or war, and where it is not punishable more severely under another provision of this Code, the cril11inalis punishable with rigprous .

imprisonmentnot exceedingsevenyears.

(3) Where the crime is committed negligently, the punishment. shall be simple imprisonment not exceeding one year for the act under s.ub-article (1), and simple imprisonment not exceeding two years . for the act under sub- article (2).
Article 311.Demoralization of the Defence Forces.

(1) Any member or military ,commander of the Defence Forces who, during a time other than those specified under sub-article (2) of this Article, demoralizes the troops by his beh~viour, in particular by giving ground (running away) contrary to orders, by throwing away arms, equipment or munitions, by spreading fear or causing disorder or confusion, or by failing to take the steps required of him to prevent

or remedy stJchdevelopments,
is punish'able wi!r rigorous exceeding: twenfy7five years.

imprisonment

not

(~)Whe'fe the crime is committed in .timeof battle or immediately bef6reor after battle, the: punishment shall tle rigorous imprisonment for not less than five

years.

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-"

Criminat Code
,

"(3) Where the crime' and' ItS',CQn$equences are af particular gravity, the punishment shalf be rigarous imprisc;mment.for life or ,death, according to. the
:"""

.
. :

cirGums~ncesof the case.

Article 312.-

. ~ ;.:

Any member af th,e Defen~ Farces who., in the face af

the ,enemy and frpm cawardice:' (a) refuses to take up arm~ or to. useth~m; (b) hides. runs,aw~x 0.1',abando.ns his orderS to that effect; o.r (c) incites his camrades '0.1' subardinates away. ar abando.n their past witho.ut
effect,. .
'

, 0.1' past withaut to. hide, run arders to. that

' is puni~habfe with a minimum o.ffive years to.twenty-five yeCl~safrigaraus impris9r:uQent, 0.1',in the gr~vestcases, , ,

with lif? iinprisonmeht or'death. Article 313... Capitulation.

'

Any ,commanding .Qfficer '0.1' memberof;the Farces who: '. .

Defence

(a) in b~Ule 0.1'in .the fac;eof the enemy lays dawn his arms, raises a flag af truce 0.1'dispatches a bearer

tf:1ereqf,hflulsdawn,~is flag, ()r,surrenders with his , . mEm' 'witho.ut ,having. cjo.rw, . everythiqg that the exigencies af military duty require af him; 0.1' (b) abando.Qs, ,Ieay~s: scuttles. 0.1'surren~rshis ship,
,

his .aircraft, fli$'.,armo.l1redfighting vehicle ar any

.othei ins\rlU1;1erif,ofWc;lr far w~ich he is respansible, without having d.one everything in his power to.save it; ar

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.Cr~l)ljl1aI,C~d~
,,~~,,' . "

.183

(c) sur(eflde(s~Jortress,atown, port. or aerodrome, a "garrtsdn, a post or afo~ified position, ~Ith6ut having
exhausted a1t~ossIble.meaO$ of p~f~nq!3' is 'punisnable with rigorQus iiJ;Jpri~pnment for life
J,

orwith death.
,~

~~rtic'e '314.,

Ab.andonmeritof the

~eans of War Intact.

(1) Any mQmb~r.QL

DefenC!3. Forces or any commapding officgr who, in 'time of war,abandons to ;thF enpnly,'~ithoui h(;lving'done everythIng in his power to' d~stfoy them or put t11em out of commission, a depot,. an, establishment, a milItary camp or Insta:flation , munitions, arms, other means of war, bridges, viaducts, railways or any other object of importance to the nationaldefence,

is punishable 'wnh rigqrous imprisonment not ~xcdeding .1\Yenty. ye~r.s., o~, in the' grpvest cases, with rigorous imptis'onmerit for lIfe.
.' .
'

(2) Wh~'n) the Cri(n~~i~'

commItted ..~egligently, the punIsnmenf sha1l 'De simple imprisonment form six months to fIve years.

Article 315.Arms.

Improperyse

ofEn~my.

Uniform

or

(1) Any mer,nber ()f~he, Defeflce F9rces ,who improperly we'arsQr make.sus~e:of the uniform, 'insignia or arms

ofthe"\Hlomy

in a. way that creates confusion or

not

causes clamag~,
.',-:':';'

is punishable wjt~ rigorous ,jmprisonment exceeditl<) five years. '

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.

Criminal Code

(2) Where.. the crime is committedparticularlyin time of

war, ahOthe ?ct hascausedseriou~confusion or damage, the.' punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding fifteen years.

Article 316.-

Abandonment,

of a Wounded
-

or Killed

Member.
-

(1) Any' member of the Defence Forces who leaves or

abandons and thereby cause. the capture by the

enemy of his wounde<;Jor dead' comrades in . the
battle field,'
"-

is puniShable. with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years. (2) Any medical personnel of the Defence Forces who, contrary to his duties or r~sponsibilities, fails to give proper medical treatment to the wour')d.edcomrade in the battle field, thereby causing death or grave harm to the wounded, shall be punished in accordance with sub-article (1) hereof. (3) Where the crime results in creating serious damage to the country's interest or to the morale of the Defence Forces, the p,unishment shall be rigorous imprisonment f9r lifeor death. Article 317.Crjrne Committed against the PQssessions of it Wounded or Killed M'ember.

Any member of the Defence Forces who, with the intent to gain unlawful enrichment, takes public or any other property from a member wounded or killed in the battle field, '. -

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is punishable exceeding ten years. with rigorous imprisonment

185
not

Section V.Article 318."

Common Provisions

Crimes Committed. by Members of the Militia.

Civilians

or

by

Without prejudice to the liability for crimes against public international law under the provisions of the preceding Title II (Arts. 269-283), the provisions of Articles 284-317 shall apply to any civilian or member of the' militia who is on a combat duty within the country or abroad. Nonetheless, the Court may not aggravate the punishment as in the case of a member of the Defence Forces, for the same crime committed under similar circumstances.

Article 319.-

Crimes Committed by Prisoners of War or Military Internees.

(1) Without prejudice to the liability for crimes against public international law under the provisions of the preceding Title II, a prisoner of war or military internee who is on Ethiopian territory or is dependent upon the Ethiopian military or civilian authorities, is subject to the provisions of this Title for any. military crime he may commit, with the exception of pecu,niary penalties and ordinary disciplinary punishments. (2) 'The ordinary punishrTlent,s. ofjhiS ,90de shall apply 'when the criminal commits non-military crimes.

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Crrminal Code Breaches of Military Duty Committed Officers or Commanding Officers. by

Article 320.-

In ail cases of.brl?ach. of liability to Pl?dgrm military service, of breach of military order or discipline, of

service or of l'1'1i1itaryQbligations in g~neral, an officer or

commanding officer, irrespective. of rank, shall be subject to exemplary and drastic punishment, according to his degree at guilt, within. the: limits of the punishments provided under this Code.
'

Article 321,-

Additional Penalties in Grave Cases.

In all cases punishable with rigorous imprisonment or death, the Court may oroar the payment of a fine not . exceeding fifty' . thousand Birr in the case of a commanding officer, or not exceeding twenty-five thousand Birr in other cases, where the criminal has acted for gain. The Court may, in addition, order dismissal from the Defence Forces or reduction in rank; where the criminal has shown himself unworthy to serve. or :unworthy of'his rank. Article 322.. Disciplinary Penalties Excepted.

Any member6f the ,Defence Forces who 'infringes the military laws, regulations or directives and standing orders, .s,hall. be subject JO disciplinary punishment accordingJotDe.milf~ry.r~gulations{Art. 792 (1)),'where the crime isso minor that it entails no criminalliabilitv.

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CHAPTER

II AND

CRIMES AGAINST THE DEFENCE FORCES MEMBERS THEREOF

Section I. Article 323.",

Crimes against UemlNlrsof Forces on Active Duty

thfJ.D~fence

Compelling breaches"of duty;

Whoever, by the1,!seof threats or violence, compels a member of the Defence. Forces to execute his duty improperly or prevents him from executing a duty he is bound to perform, is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine.

Article 324.- Attack on a MembfJr. of the Defence. Forces wl1i1eonActive Duty.

(1) Whoever, without prQvocation,threatens, attacks or assaults a member 'of the..I)efe:1ce Forces in the execution of his duties, is punishable ,with~impleimprisonment not eXGeeding three years. (2) Where the criminal is,armed and threatens the victim with a.. weapon', or uses physical violence, he is punishable with simpl~ .:imprisonment from six months to th ree"years. Where the attack results in serious bodily harm or in death, the general provisions concerning assessment of sentence in such cases shall apply (Art. 66).

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Article 325.Aggravated Cases. Where a crime under Arucle 323 or 324 is committed: (a) against a guard on duty, a sentry, a patrol or a

member' of the military police..orother" military authorityinthe.executionofhis duty;or -.

. ...

(b) against an officer or commanding officer recognizable by his functions' or by his badges of rank, the criminal is punishable with simple imprisonment for at least.. three' months in..the case of' threat or unarmed attack which has done no injuryto th~ victim's person or health, and. for at least .six montt)s in the case . of armed or violent attack. Section 11.- Crimes against the Defence Forces' And their Auxiliary Sentices Article 326.- Breach of Legal or Contractual Obligations.

(1)Whoeverintentionally:

(a) fails, without'proper cause, ,to comply with a legal obligation to hand over or deliver animals, vehicles,provisions or any other supplies
.

necessary to the mmtary service or to the

Defence Forces; or

(b) fails. to . perform. his contractual .obligations

towards the Defence Forces or their services, be they in respect to deliveries .or supplies of provisions, equipment;. material or of "any other objects, or in respect to installations, buildings, or public works of any kind; or (c) in general, performs the tasks," services or deliveries incumbent upon him, supervises them, or takes or makes deliverY of. them without abiding by his contractual obligations or without due care with resultant delay or default harmful to the Defence Forces,

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is punishable with simple imprisonment, or fine. In more serious cases the criminaf is punishable with rigorous imprisonment .notexceeding ten years. (2) 'Where the crime is committed negligently, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment or fine, according to the gravity of the case. (3) Where a juridical person commits the.crime it shall ,"be punishable in accordance with the provisions of Article 90 of this Code. Article 327.Sabotage. (1) Whoever intentionally: '(a) destroys, damages or renders unfit for use installations, materiaf,equipment or any other
.objectused 'bythe

Defence Forces;or

(b) prevents an official or an authority from carrying on his or its.activities on behalf of the Defence
.

Forces, or disturbs or endangers such activities,

is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years. (2)' Where the crime is committed negligently, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment or fine. (3) Acts intended to impair the defensive power of the State are punishable under Article247. Article 328.Traffic in Military Material. Whoever intentionally or.. unlawfully lends, pledges, receives on loan or in pledge' objects requisitioned, utilized"or sequestrated by the administrative services of the Defence Forces, is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine.

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(1) Whoever sells materials, acquires, or fully consumes or makes away with, destroys, or puts out of commission, the objects mentioned in sub-article (1) above, is punishable with simple imprisonment for at least six months.

(2) In grave cases, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years.
(3) Where a juridical person commits the crime it shall be punishable in accordance with tl)e provisions of Article 90 of this Code.

Article 329.-

Unauthorized. manufacture of, and traffic in,

Military Uniforrns, Insignia or Decorations.
without authority manufactures, stores,

(1') Whoever

offers or sells, buys or acquires in any other manner, military uniforms, insignia or decorations, is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine.

(2) Where a juridical person commits the crime it shall be punishable .in accordance with the provisions of Article 90 of this Code.

Article 330.Unauthorized Uniforms, Decorations or Insignia.

Whoever without authority decorations. or insignia,

Wearing
wears

of

Military
uniform,

a military

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191

is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding six months, or with fine not exceeding five hundred Birr. Article 331..bisregaRI of Military Measures.

(1) Whoever contravenes regulations, orders, or instructions issued by the Government or by the competent civil or military authority on grounds of militarynecessity or to safeguard mifitaryinterests, is punishable, where he is not pl:lnishable under any other provision of this Code, with simple imprisonment not exceeding one year, or with fine not exceeding five hundred Birr. (2) Where the crime is oommitted negligently, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment not exceeding six months, or fine not exceeding three hundred Birr. Article 332.- lRCite-ntteOiuegaRiMtfjtary Orders.

(1) Whoever incites, be it in public or not, anyone to disregard milit;:try orders, to acts of indiscipline or to breaches of militaryduties, is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine. (2) Whoever organizes a band, a movement or an illegal assembly to these ends, or takes part in its organiza.tion, or subscribes to its schemes, or adheres to.it or contributes to such activities,
is punishable. with ...simple imprisonment, or,

where the act could have caused grave danger, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years.

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192 Criminall;Ode
(3) Where a juridical person commits the crime it shall be punishable in accordance with the. provisions of Article 90 of this Code.

Article 333.-

Disregard. of Prohibitions Protecting Specified Military Zones and Objects.

Whoever, without authority, or unlawfully: (1) enters. an establishment, a work or any other site, acc.ess to which is forbidden by the military authorities or on military grounds, is.punishable with simple imprisonment or fine. (2) makes, takes, prepares, reproduces, publishes or communicates to another or others an account, sketch, photograph or any representation whatsoever of such establishment, work or site, or of the installation, equipment or other objects therein, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding fifteen years.

Article 334.- Falsification. or Suppression Orders or Instructions.

(1) Without prejudice to the provisions and 381 , whoever intentionally:

of

General

of Articles 379

(a) forges, falsifies, destroys or makes away with an order to report for enlistment or for military service, a military delivery order or an instruction of any kind intended for citizens liable to military service, or relating to the interests or needs of the Defence Forces; or

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(b) makes use .of suchfarged or falsified .orderof instructian, is 'punishable with simple imprisanment, .or, in the gravest cases, with rigaraus imprisanment nat exceeding seven years.
.

(2) Where

the

crime

is" cammitted

'. negligently,

the

punishment shall be simple exceeding six manths adine.

imprisanment nat

Article 335.- Failure to report Crimes AgaiQst the Defence Forces and Breaches of Military Obligations.
(1) Whaever, being aware .of plans ta cammit .or .of the cammissian .of mutiny .or desertian, fails, except in cases .of farce majeure, ta repart them ta the autharities .or makes na attemptta prevent their cammissian .orta cause the criminalta be arrested,
is punishable with simple 'imprisanment, where the crime .of mutiny .or desertian is at least attempted, .orin seriaus cases, with rigarous imprisanment nat exceeding three years.

(2) Official .or professianal secrecy is na defence ta a charge under this Article. In time .of emergency, general mabilizatian .or war, kinship ..orclase ties .of affectian cannat serve as special mitigating circumstances (Art. 83).
(3), Failure to repart treasan ar.espianage is punishable

under the pravisiansof this Cade an' security .of the State and protectian .of thenatianal Defence Farces (Art. 254).

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Article 336.- ,Disclosure of Milit~ry Secrets. (1) Whoever, in cases other than tho$e of treason and espionage more severely pUl1isha.bleunder Articles 248-25? of this, Code., communicates or delivers to an unauthorized person or to the general public documents or information of any kind which are not a matter of common knowledgeanc;t which by their

nature are militarys,~,crets,

'

is punishable with rigorous imprisonment for not less than five years.
.'

(2) Where the crime,relates to docurnenfs or information of a restricted kind, or where it is committed by a person qlosely aqquainted with them, or where the crirne . has or might have consequences of exceptionatgravity,

I not les=:; for than ten years.,.

"

the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment

(3) Where the crime is committed ,negligently, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment not exceedi/lg on~ ye,ar for the act under sub-article (1), and not-exceeding three years for the act under sub-article (2).
Article 337.-

False or Tendent!pus Information.

Whoever, when troops have been mobilized or are on 'active dutY, puts forth or disseminates ihforrnation which
he knows to be inaccurate or tendentious, with intent to obstruct or thwart measures ordered in the military
interest, to impede

0rehdanger

movements

or

operations of the Defence Forces, to incite troops to illdisciplineor in~ubordinationj or to foment disorder and spread alarm among the population,

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is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years, or, in grave cases, with rigorous imprisonment up to life.

Section

111.-

Common Provisions

Article 338.- Aggravation of Punishment in Cases of State of Emergency or War.

(1) Where any of the crimes punishable u'nder the preceding two sections, committed against a member of the Defence Forces on active duty, against the Defence Forces or their auxiliary services, or against military interests, is done in time of emergency, general mobilization or war, and where no specific provision prescribes a more severe punishment, the criminal is punishable as follows: . (a) i'nstead of simple imprisonmeht, rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five Years; (b) where rigorous imprisonment is prescribed, rigorous imprisonment not exceeding double the pre'scribed maXimum, without. prejudice to the maximum period specified inthe General Part of this Code. In the cases of failure to report plans to commit or the commission' of mutiny or desertiqn (Art. 335), rigorous imprisonment shall not exceed ten years. (2) Where the crime committed negligently is punishable, the Court may impose punishment as . . . follows: (a) instead of simple ..imprisonment not exceeding three years, rigorous imprisonment not exceeding three years; or

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(b) instead of simple .imprisonment not exceeding five years, rigorous imprisonment not ex~eeding five years. (3) Where the Court imposes a fine, it may double the maximum amounUaid down in the relevant provision of this Code.

Article 339.-

Crimes Committed for Gain.

In all cases punishable with rigorous imprisonment and when the criminal has acted for. gain, the Court may in addition impose a fine 110t exceeding one hundred thousand Birr, having regard to the gravity of the crime and the criminal's financial resources.

CHAPTER APPLICATION

III

OF ARTICLES 284-337 TO THE POLICE

Article 340.- Principle of.Application.

The provisions of the two preceding Chapters (Art. 284337) shall apply. where any of the crimes specified

provisionof the law.

therein has been committed by a. member of the Police or against a member of the Police on active duty and where if does not. come under any other special .

Article 341.- Special. Circ~mstances. When applying to the Police the provisions relating to
the military (Art. 284~337), the Court shall take into account the special duties and organization of the Police.

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Article 342i- The Application of the Provisions Regarding Public8ervants on the Police.
(1) Apart from the cases, mentioned hereinbefore which relate to crimes committed againsJ the organization, duties and security of the Police the provisions of this Code relating to public servants shall apply to the members of the Police (Arts. 402-426). (2) Where the same act might come under the provisions of either this Title or Book IV, Title UI of this Code, such as cases 'of infringement of service regulations (Art. 293 and 420), rec~ipt of ill-gotten gains, malversation' or maladministration (Arts.306 and 307 or Arts. 407- 419), breaches of official secrecy (Art, 336 or, 396, and 397), tne Court shall decide as to. the appropriate provision to apply having regard to whether the crime is of a quasimilitary nature or a crime relating to public servants.

TITLE IV CRIMES AGAINST THE FISCAL AND ECONOMIC INTERESTS OF THE STATE CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 343.- Crimes

Committed In Breach of Special Leg.islation. (1) Where a crime is committed in breach of legislation issued by an authorized public organ in accordance with the law and duly published in the Federal Negarit Gazeta'or in the legal gazettes of the regional staJes,.concerning the.control or protection of the fiscal or economic interests of the State, the punishment shall be determined in accordance with the principles of this Code.

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Criminal Code (2}cAIlbreacOOs classed as petty offences or, in default of such. classification, ~I...breachesof mandatory or
prohibitive provisions of this kind where the damage caused by such breaches does not exceed ten thousand Birr, are punishable as provided in the part of this Code regarding petty offences.

Article 344.-

Kind and Extent of Penalties.

(1) Where the pertinent legislatioomakes no explicit reference to a orime defined in this Code, the Court shall pass sentence of simple imprisonment or fine, fixed in accordance. with the provisions, and within the general limits, of this Code (Arts. 90-92 and Arts. 106 and 107).
(2) Where the degree of guilt is. of exceptional gravity and the crime involves large sums of money or value of things, or wher~the accused makes a profession of such. crimes within ttle meaning of Article 90 of this Code, the Court may impose a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand 'Birr, in addition to the forfeiture of the gain derived from the crime. (3) The general provisions relating to. preventive, protective. and. prohibitive measures,and those relating to collateral measures .of publicity and information shall be applied wherever the Court thinks necessarY.

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Criminal. Code Article 345Collateral Penalties Dues.

199

Relating to Taxes and

The punishment prescribed for breaches of laws on taxes and other dues shall not prevent the application of penalties that may be imposed in accordance with the appropriate legislation on taxes and dues not paid within the proper time.

CHAPTER II SPECIAL PROVISIONS

Article 346.- Illicit Traffic in Gold, Currencies Exchange.

or Foreign

Whoever, apart from cases coming under the provisions relating;,to crimes against currency (Title V below), buys,. imports or. exports, .accepts ill. trust, deposits, exchanges, sells or offers for sale without authorization or contrary to laws, regulations or rules, gold or any currency, whether national or foreign, the dealings with or rates of which are subject to limitation, restriction or measures of control or protection, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years, and fine not exceeding fifty thol.lsand Birr, without prejudice to the confiscation of the subject matter of the crime.

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Article 347.- Illicit Traffic ir1PreciousMinera~. Whoever violates, as defined in the preceding Article, provisi~ or. regulations. on forbidden or unlawful traffic in precious mjneratssuch as gold, platinumiuranium or any other similar minerals, as well as in precious stones, is punishable under Article346. Article 348.Dealings Endangering State's Finance. the. Credit of the

Whoever, with the object of damaging the,credit of the State's finance, or knowingly running the risk of damaging it (a) causes or incites the withdrawal of funds from banks or from other institutions legally bound to make payment into banks, to bring'about a fall of value in the national currency; or brings about a depreciatiOn, through widespread selling, in the . value ot bonds or securities;. or (b) obstructs subscription to or the purchase of such funds, bonds or securities; is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years, and fine not exceeding fiftythousand Birr;or where the crime has caused or could cause a serious consequence, with rigowusimprisonmehtnot exceeding twenty years.

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Criminal. Code Article349.-

201

Unlawful Refusal to Pay Public Taxes or Dues.

(1) Whoever, being duly ordered to pay the taxes or dues prescribed by law, whether in kind or in cash, and validly as~essed by the competent authority, refuses to pay, though able so todo,taxes on land, property or different kinds of income, or any other due or tax whatsoever, is punishable, without prejudice to the payment of the tax or due, with simple imprisonment for not less . than one .year and fine. (2) Where the refusal is accompanied by threats, violence, or assault, by the display or use of arms, or by disorder or revolt, the punishment prescribed by the .relevant provisions shall apply concurrently (Art. 85). Article 350.. .

.. "~'~"'-"-'''---"

Incitement to Refusal to pay Taxes.

..

(1) Whoever incites another, by acts, gifts, speeches, threats, or in any other way, to refuse to pay the taxes or dues prescribed by law, is punishable with simple imprisonment from one . year tothree years and fine.
.

(2) Where the case is more serious as a result of the spread of the crime, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from three years to ten years and fine. Where the crime is punishable under a more severe. provision,.suchas incitement to riot or to the overthrow of authority, the punishment may be aggrav~ted in accordance witt, the relevant provision prescribed for concurrent crimes.(Art 85).

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202 Article 351.Criminal COde

Endangering Sources of Revenue.

(1) Whoever, with intent to save himself or another, whether an<individual ora juridical person, from the payment in full orin part of dues, taxes or charges due to the. Government in. accordance
with the law~

(a)

knowingly;supplies to the competent authorities falSe information about the property, capital or income subject to taxation, or about any other relevant circumstances in connection with the assessment ofthe taxes or dues; or in any other. way, be it by fraud, concealment, or false returns or fictitious operations, or by any other means, knowingly misleads such authorities,

(b)

is punishable with rigorous imprispnment not exceeding. ten years and fine not .exceeding one

hundredthbusalid Birr.

(2) Any ofricial or employee of. an authority who improperly prevents the payment of taxes or dues, or reduces the amount thereof,
is punishable for abuse of authority (Art. 407).

(3) Wherethe..criminal has acted in circumstances which constitute another crime, in particular misrepresentation' or forgery, the provisions regarding these crimes shall apply concurrently
.

(Art. as} .

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203

Article. 352.-

Contraband.

(~) Who~verintentionally:

(a) brings into or takes, out of Ethiopia, without paying the duty or taxes 1ixed by law goods, property, objects or things produced by a factory or by handicraft; (b) accepts for sale, stores or offersgbods. or property, knowing that they are introduced into' tile country in the illegal manner specified in (a) above; or (c) circulates, domestically manufactured objects or products that.are restricted frc;>m, circulation unless .

the taxes due on them are paid,

.

is punishable with fine. not exceeding ten

thousand Birr, or with simple imprisonment, in addition to the forfeiture of the objects, means, and the fruits of the crime. subject to the rights of third parties in good faith who have no l1art whatsoever in the crime (Art. 140).

(2) Where the crime is committed by threats, viol~nce, fraud or in group, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years, in addition to the forfeiture of the object. (3) Evasion of customs duty of an isolated character comes within the scope of the provisions relating to petty offences(Art. 784).

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204 Article 353.-

Criminal COde
Crimes against. the National Economy . and

StateMonopolies.

(1) Whoever, apart from the cases '.especially specified above or petty infringements punishable under the Code ()f Petty Offences (Art. 784-790), intentionally violates the provisipns concerl)ing: (a) the importation;exportation,..storage or transport of objects, products or materials' subject to prohibition, license, control or duties; or (b) the exploitation of natural resources of the country, whether of the soil,of the sub-soil or their pro~ucts, of electric power, water, forests, minerals,game or wild animals; or (c) the exploitation of wild animals or their products, or the hunting or killing of such animals; or (d) the settlement or execution of other activities in restricted forests, in parks or in reserved areas;

or

(e) a monopoly wh~ther. gr~nted by way of concession or .controlledpy the State; or . (f) the organization. State. banks or State "of
undertakings, or the'gran'ting of concessions, or the operation and supervision of' banks or undertakings, whether commercial or industrial or factories establishments of any kind,
..

is punishable, .where the .crimedoe~ not come under a specific provision prescrib~nga rnoresevere penalty, with simple imprisonment or fine, in addition to the forfe.iture .of the subject matter ()f the crime and the. withdrawal.of any licen~e and work certificate, and the suspension or closing down of any business.

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(2) Whoever violates laws issued regarding the collection, transportatipn, transference,. exportation, importation or ~xploi~tionof genetic resources, is punishable, according to the circumstances of the case, with simple imprisonment for not less than one year, or with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years and fine from ten thousand to thirty thousand Birr. :(3) Wp()ever, .contrary to law, hunts or kills endemic animals;orposs.esses, collects, transports, transfers or exports endemic Rnimals or plants or their products, is punishable, according to the circumstances of the case, with simple imprisonment for qot c'ess than one. year, or . with rigorous

imprisonment. not exceeding twelve years and fine

from ten thousand to one hundred thousand Birr.
'.

(4) Where one of the acts in this Aqicle is committed negligently, the punishment shall be fine not .exceeding.Jive thousand. Sirr, or, according to the circumstances and gravity of the case, simple imprisonment not exceeding six.months.
Article 354.Aggravation to the Crime.

(1) The fine shall not exc.eecitwo hundred thousand airr, and the punishment of deprivation of liberty shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding fifteen years, in addition to the. forfeiture of the subject matter of the crime, in the case of trafficking, speculation or illicit dealings, of contraband or of other crimes involving large amounts of money, or where the criminal has practices.

made a . profession ot such trafficking ,or prohibited .

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(2) Where

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,.
the crime specified in sub-article (1) is committed by a jUridical person, it -is. punishable in accordance with Article 90 of this Code.-

TITLE V CRIMES AGAINST CURRENCIES, GOVERNMENT BONDS OR SECURITY DOCUMENTS, OFFICIAL SEALS, STAMPS
.

OR INSTRUMENTS.
CHAPTER I COUNTERFEIT CURRENCY, BOND OR SECURITY DOCUMENTS

Article 355.-

General Provision Concerning Juridical Person

Where the conditions of Article 34 of this Code are found satisfied in respect of crimes sp'eCifiedfrom Articles 356 to 374 of this Title, a juridical personas well, besides individuals, shall be liable to punishment.

Article 356.-

Making.

Whoever, in Ethiopia or abroad, makes without lawful authority or counterfeits currencies used as legal tender, bonds or security documents with .intent to utter them as

genuine,

is punishable with rigorous imprisonment years.

for at least five

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207

Whoever, in Ethiopia or abroad, forges, by alteration, overprinting, dyeing or anyotner means, currencies used as legal tender,. bonds or security documents with intent to fifteen yearS,
utter them ata value greater than their current value, ispuriishable . with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding , ,

Article 358.- ,Debasing. Whoever, in Ethiopia or abroad, by mechanical, physical

or chemical process, or by any other means, debases legal currencies, with intent to utter them at their full value, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years.
f
,

Article 359.- Importation, Exportation, Acquisition, Ac~eptance in Trustor Offer.

Whoever, with intent to .utter them or to cause be uttered as genuine or at their CUrrent value, exports, acquires or, procures, accepts in trust counterfeit or deQased currenci~s, bonds or them to imports, or offers security not

documents:,

'

is punishable with expe,eding.fifteen years.

rigorous'

imprisonment

Article 360.-

Presumption of Intent to Utter.

In respect of the crimes specified under Articles 356359, the acts shall be presumed to have been done with the intent to,utter.

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Article 361.- Uttering. {1) Whoever intentioncllly: (a)uttE}rs as genuine ora$ having greatQrvalue than their current value, in Ethiopia or aboard, counterfeit.or forged currencies, bonds or security documents, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding tElnyears. (b)utters debased currencies at their fullvalue, is punishable with simple imprisonment not

exceedingfiveyears or fin~.
. payment

(2) Where the criminal has received the currencies, bonds or security documents as genlJine, or against
of. their. curre.nt vallJe,. and having

discovered their fplseness or debasement, has returned them to circulation only in orde[to avoid loss, the punishment sheillbe: (a) simple imprisonment in the case of counterfeit or forged currencies, bonds or securitydocuments; or (b) fine in the case of debased currencies. Article 362.-PettyCases. In petty cases, where small sUn1sonly are involved, the punishment in resped of the crimes specified under Articles 356-361 shilll be simple imprisonment.
CHAPTER II FALSIFICATIONOF OFFICIAL SEALS,ST AMPS, MARKS, WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

..

Article 363.- Falsification or Improper use of the. Seals of . the State. (1) Whoever: (a) falsifies or counterfeits the seal of the Goyernment or of a Governrnent Department, intended to br affixed to Gover,nment papers, or makes use of ..'Jch falsified or counterfeit seal;or

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(b) makes improper use of a genuine~eal, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from three

years to ten years.

.
" "

"

(2) Where the crime has caused grave harm to national interests or rights, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment form five years to twenty years.

Article 364.- Falsification and Improper use of other Public or Private Seals.
(1) Whoever: (a) falsifies any seal of a public institution or a private organization, or makes use"of such seal; or (b) makes' improper use ofa genuine seal of such

kind,
is punishable with
"

rigorous

imprisonment

not

exceeding five'years~ (2) Where grave harm'is tau sed by the crime, the criminal is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from three

years to ten years.

'

Article 365.Whoever:

Falsification of Official Marks.

(a) with intent to usethempr to cause them,to be used as genuine or unused, makes Without lalNful authority, falsifies or counterfeits. official "marks of origin or identity;brbf certification or warranty, particularly in connectio~ with customs ,or transport operations, with gold, silver or other precious minerals, timber,skins or other materials or products, or with foodstuffs, medicaments, or articles, affecting public health, whether they be' seals, die stamps, rubber stamps, labels or any other distinguishing mark; or

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(b) knowingly uses such false or counterfeit. marks as genuine or unused,
is punishable with simple imprisonment from three months to five years.

Article 366.Value.

Falsification

of Official Stamps

of

(1) Whoever: (a) with intent to use them or to cause them to be used as genuine or unused, makes without lawful authority, fCilsifies or counterfeits official stamps of value, in particular officially stamped paper, postage stamps orreceiptstamps; or (b) after such stamps,. have been used or cancelled, gives them the appearance of ~mused stamps for the" purpose of using. them ag~in, is punishable with simple imprisonment for at least three months, or, where the,crime is considered to be grave, with simple imprisonment not exceeding five years and fine.

(2) In petty cases, especially those of isolated use of used, forged,falsified. or cancelled. postage or receiptstamps, the Court may impose a fine only.

Article 367.-

Falsification of Weights ,.nd Measures.

(1) Whoever, with intent to deceive another: (a) falsifies weights, balances, measures or other instruments intended for use in commerce or trade; or

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(b)unlawfully affixes thereto a mark or imprint denoting official certification or warranty, or forges such marks; or (c) intentionally makes uSe of such forged or falsified instruments, is ,punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding,five.years. (2) In petty cases, the Court may pass sentence of simple imprisonment not exceeding three years or fine.

Article

368.-

Importation, Exportation,. Purchase, Acceptance in Trust and Offer. Whoever exports, imports, purchases, acquires or procures, or accepts in trust, sells or offers for sale or donates, stamps, stamped paper, marks,. official ,weights.or measures which he knows to be forged or falsified,. is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine, or ingrtive, cases, with rigorous.. imprisonment not exceeding two years.
CHAPTER III COMMON PROVISIONS

Article 369.- Counte'rfeiting without intent}o defraud.

(1) Whoever, without ihtent to defraud: (a) counterfeits or imitates;' especially by way of advertisement, or with the intention of uttering them as facsirniles, currencies, bank hotes, bonds ors~curitY documents, or officiafstamps orpbstage stamps that they create, orlend to 'create, risk of confusion; or

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(b)
"

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imports, exports, accepts in trust, offers for sale or donates or utters such counterfeits or imitations,

is punishable with fine, or where the risk of confusion or fraud is particularly great, with simple imprisonment not exceeding three months. (2) Reproduction for official scientific or information purposes is not a crime.

Article 370.-

Endangering of the Currency, Bonds or Security Documents, or Official Marks, Stamps or Seals.

Whoever, without the express order or permission of

the competent authority or institution: (a) sets up, prooures, imports, exports, offers or hands over tdanother, machinery, moulds, dies, paper, metal or ot~er objects or materials used for making or manufacturing currency, bonds or se~wity document~, official, marks, stamps, official titles or seals; or (b) accepts, executes orc~uses to be executed, or delivers or Causes to be delivered, orders for "currencies; bonds ors~curity documents, official marks, stamps, officJal-tiUes or seals, is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine.

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Article 371.Machinery and Means of Falsification. (1) Whoever, with the object of making unlawful use of. them, makes procures, keeps or offers machinery, .moulds or dies,paper, metal or any other means for counterfeiting or forging currencies, bank notes, bonds or security documents, official marks, stamps, official titles or seals, is punishable with simple imprisonment for at least six months and fine.
(2) Where, however, such machinery and means are intended for counterfeiting or falsifying the national currency, the seal of the State or of any other public authority, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding seven years.

Article 372.-

Mitigating Circumstances.
or in special (Art. . 180) circumstances, exempt from punishment any person taking part in the commission of any of the crimes under this Title who:

(1) The Court may without restriction mitigate the

punishment

(a) destroys of his own accord machinery and means of counterfeiting before any use whatsoever has been made of them; or (b) prevents uttering, use or damage before the crime has come to the knowledge of the public authorities; or (c) reveals. the existence or preparation of the crime or enables the criminal to be brought to justice.

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(2) The Court may, whether a penalty has been imposed or . not, make an order requiring the criminal to enter. into a recognizance to be of good behavior (Art. 135) or an order restricting his personal liberty (Art.. 145~150) where it is suspected that he may cause danger in the future. (3) The Court may reduce the penalty in accordance with the rules on ordinary mitigation (Art. 179) where the making, counterfeiting, forging, debasing or falsification provided in the two preceding chapters is so small or so obvious as not to constitute a serious danger to the interests of the State or to the public.

Article 373.-

Special Aggravating Circumstances.

Without prejudice to the provisions of the General Part of this Code concerning aggravation of punishment (Art. 84(1 )(d)) and seizure of articl~s (Art. 140), and where the crime is inspired by motive~ of gain, the punishment shall be fine not exceeding one hundred thousand Birr. The fjne may not exceed two hundred fifty thousand Birr, where the crime of counterfeiting is committed.

Article '374.-

Pro.tection of the Interests of Foreign Sates. The provis.ions oUhis Title shall apply equally to the various charges in respect of crimes committed on Ethiopian territory against the official currencies, bonds or se~urity documents, bank notes, seals, stamps, marks, w.eights .or measuring instruments of foreign countrie:;;, where there is a convention directed to this end or where reciprocal arrangements have been made with a foreign country.

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CRIMES AGAINST THE PUBLIC INTEREST OR THE COMMUNITY TITLE I BREACHES OF PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
CHAPTER I Falsification,

215

Forgery And,Suppression
Material Forgery.

Of

Instruments

Article 375.-

Whoever, with intentJo injure the rights or interests of another, or to obtain for himself or to procure for another any undue right or advantage:

(a) falsely executes an instrument,such as a writing, a

deed or any document or material means constituting proof of, or capable of proving, a fact material, or susceptible of becoming material, to legal proceedings; or (b) makes use of the sign manual, signature, markor
stamp of another to make a false instrument; or
'

(c) counterte,its ,an instrument. especially by changing his handwriting, by affixing to'the instrument a false signature, mark or stamp, or by signing it in a false capacity purporting to certify its authorship; or (d) falsifies an instrument, especially by modifying, deleting, adding or altering; in whole or in part, t,he name or signature of its author ortheterms, figure, fact~ pr material details it contains, is punishable with simple imprisonment for not less than three months, or, in mo(e serious cases, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years.

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Criminal Code Intangible Forgery.

Article 376.-

Whoever, with the,jntent sp~cified in Article 375, falsely inserts or causes to be inserted in an instrument, while it is being drawn up, a fact possessing or susceptible of assuming legal significa.nce, is punishable under Article375. Article 377.Specified Cases.

Whoever, with the intent specified in Article 375: (a) deceives a t/:lirdpartyabout the contents of an instrument so ,that he affixes his. signature thereto in the belief th~t he is signing another instrument, or an instrument of other content; or (b) delivers an instrument in the name of a person without that person's consent, or in ,the name of a non-existent person, is punishable under Article375. Article 378Use of Forged Instruments.

Whoever knowingly makes use of a forged or falsified instrument" i~puniShable under Article375.
Article 379.Military Documents. Forgery or Falsification of Public or

(1) Where any of the crimes specified under the

preceding provisions of this Chapter is committed

on: (a) a public register, an official act, an act concerning public interests; or

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(b) (c)

217

an...instrurnentent~red .into a public r~gister or a holographic will;or

an :..'instrument ordocyment

concerning

national.defence, or the Defence Forces or their organization, duties or affairs, the punishment. shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding fifteen years. (2) Where the crime is committed by a public servant,. officially entrusted with the drawing up, filing, keeping. or delivery of. extracts from the registers, instruments, deeds or documents in question, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from five years to twenty-five years. In very serious cases, the punishment may extend up to life imprisonment. Article 380.Suppression of Instruments.

(1) Whoeveriwith the intent specified in Article 375 damages, tears, destroys, suppresses or takes an instrument of which . he has not the right of

absolute disposal,

is puni$hable with simple imprisonment not exceeding. two years, .in less serious cases, and with rigorotls imprisonment not exceeding five.years, in more serious ones. (2) Where the act has been done to the prejudice of a member of the criminal's family,a near relative 'or a person having common ,interest. or ties of affection with the criminal, or a person cohabiting with him,. proceedings shall be instituted only
upon complaint. .

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218

CrirttinalCode of Public or Militaty Documents.

ArtiGIe 381.- Suppression

(1)

Where the crime specified under Article 380 above concemsa public or military instrument, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years. Where the crime is committed officially entrusted with registration, keeping,. disposal instrument, the punishment by a public servant, the drawing up, or delivery of such shall be rigorous

(2)

imprisonment not exceeding twenty-five years.

Where the commission of the crime is very grave, the punishment shaWbeerigorous imprisonment for life.

(3)

Where the crime is committed negligently,the punishment shall be simple imprisonment or fine.

Article 382.- Falsification or Suppression of Commercial Instruments or Negotiable Securities. (1) Where -the forgery or the use of the forged instrument or the act'of causing-another to make use of it concemsa bill of exchange, a cheque, a promissory note,ac' bank depos!t book or other certificate of deposit ina bank, a credit card, or a document in an institution of deposit or loan, or a share certificate, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment not' exceeding ten years.
..

(2) Where

the crime specified .under Article 380 is committed on such documents or instruments, the punishment shall be rigorous -imprisonment not exceeding ten years.

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219

(3) Where the crime specified under Article 380 is committed negligently. on such documents or instruments, the punishmel1t. shall be simple impr'isohment or fine.

Article 383.-

True.o[_~~rtified
'.

Copies. .
-.

The Jorgery or suppression of tru~ popies or certified tr~e cbp.ief),which, iniaw, may be,acc~pted as originals, i$ -punishable under' the -relevant provisions of this

, . :"

'-,Chapter.
Article 384.TransportTicket~. Falsification
. af'duse.

. of False Public

(1) Whoever, with intent to injure the rights or interests of another, or to procure for himself or another an undue advantage: . (a) makes. without lawful authority, falsifies or

counterfeits, vouchers, passes- or tickets for .

.

transport, whether by land, by sea or by air, or

for persons,.arJimals,.objects or goods;or

(b)

after genuine tickets, vouchers or passes have been used, cancelled or punched, gives them the app~arance o~.valid tickets, vouchers. of passes in ord~r to use them:.or to cause.them to be used anew, is punishable with simple imprisonment and fine.
_7,

(2) Whoeve(knowingly makes use -of such falsified or used tickets, vouchers or passes as if genuine, is punishable with fine, or, according to the circumstancesotthe.case, with simple imprisonment not exceeding three months.

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CHAPTER II FORGEFtYOF CERTIFICATES

Article 385.-

Forged Certificates.

(1) Whoever, for the purpose' of obtaining for himself or procuring for another an advantage or betterment: (a)' falsifies or coun~rfeits documents .evidencing
,

- legitimate rights, personal Piilpers" certifjcates or testimOnials~ no m'atter what their object, or knowingly hands such a paper to another to make unlawful use of it; or (b) knowingly makes use of paper thus falsified or counterfeited, or of a genuine ,paper. not intended for his use or not relating to himself, is punishabl~with simple impri~onment 9r fine. ,
'. ,I -

.Simpte fniprisonmentshalt no!, e~ce~a one year in cases involving private 'certificates or testimonials, and shall not be less than three months in the case of official papers, such as identity cards or birth , certificates, certificates' of destitution, of good

'public registersor rolls.

conduct or of. fitness or unfitness, or of extracts 'from .

(2). Where the crime is committed by a public servant ..' entr.usted with the drawIng up, filing, keeping or delivery of such papers, but without the intent of injuring the rights of another (Art. 375), the punishment shall be simple imprisonment from six months to five years or fine or both.
(3l Where the crime punishment shall thousand Birr. is committed be fine not negligently, exceeding the one

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Art!cle 386.Fraudulent Proc.urement Certification. of False

221
Official

Whoever, for the purpose of obtaining for himself or procuring for another an advantage or betterment: (a) induces, by deceit, a public servant or any other person au~horized to verify. or establish a fact of legal significance, to certify falsely the authenticity of a date, document or signature, the truth of a copy, or any other similarfact; or

(b)

.knowingly makes use of an attestation thus obtained to deceive another, is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine.
Article 387.-

I~suing False Medical Certificate.

(1) Any doctor, dentist, pharmacist, veterinary surgeon, midwife or other person entitled professionally to issue ce-rtificates of a medical nature who makes out a certificate which is untrue and calculated to procure an unlawful advantage for, or to' injure the legitimate interests of, another person, knowing that such certificate will be used, is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine, without prejudice to secondary professional penalties (Art. 123(c)) in the event of repetition of the crime. (2) Where the false certificate has been issued for a consideration, a promise of a consideration, or other ben'efit, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years and fine not exceeding fifty thousand Birr.

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(3) Where the person who has made the false. medical certificate is a public servant, and has acted in his official capacity, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment for not less than three years, or, where the case is serious, rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years in respect of a crime under sub-article (1); and rigorous imprisonment not exceeding fifteen years and fine not exceeding one hundred thousand Birr in respect of a crime under sub .;'Hticle (2). (4) Whoever knowingly n;akes use of a false certificate to deceive another, i> punishable with the penalty prescribed under sub .article(1) of this Article.

Article 388.-

Concurrent

Crimes.

Where a person has obtained and used a false testimonial or a false Ct)rtificate, or a genuine certificate not relating to himsolf or not intended for his use, with

the intention of

U1O(f)()Y

committing a further crime, such

as, in particul:1r, breach of trust or fraudulent misrepresentation, and where such further crime has at least been attemptod, the Court shall doto(rnine thesentenco in the light of the general rule relatin(J to aggravation of the penalty in case of concurrence (Art. 66).

Article 389

False Oecfaration

and Entries.

(1) Any employer, hotelier or innkeeper, or other porson required by law to konp a register or list of individuals or activities subject to tho control of the authoritiQs, who intentionally:

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(a)

223

(b)

enters, or causes or permits to be entered, names, datescr personal or material details which are untrue; or omits to enter them or to cause them to be entered in accordance .with the facts,

is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine. (2) Where the consideration,

-

imprisonment for not less than one y1ar and fine.

criminal has acted for pecuniary the punishment shall be simple .

Article 390.- fnstruments-andMeans of Falsification.

(1) Whoever, with intent to make unlawful use thereof, makes, procures or possesses, delivers or offers for sale or gift any material, means or instrument intended for the counterfeiting of official papers, certificates, diplomas or documents, is punishable with rigorous exceeding five years and fine. imprisonment not

(2) Whoever, of his own accord, destroys such material means or instrument before. any use whatsoever has been made of them may be exempted from any punishment.

CHAPTER III
FALSIFICATION Article 391.OF GOODS

Falsification and Adulteration. falsifies,

Whoever, with intent to deceive another, counterfeits, adulterates or alters goods,

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is punishable with rigorous exceeding seven years and fine. imprisonment not

Article

392.- Uttering.
(1) Whoever, with intent to deceive another, offers, sells or utters falsified, counterfeit, adulterated or altered goods as genuine, unadulterated or intact, shall be liable to the. punishment prescribed under Article 391

above;

(2) Negligence is punishable with fine notexceeding ten thousand Birr in the gravest CG1.ses where it was the duty of the criminal, especially as a tradesman,

to exercise particular circumspection or care.

Article 393.-

Importation, Exportation, Storing of Goods.

Acquisition and

Whoever imports, exports, acquires or procures or

accepts for storage falsified, counterfeited, altered or adulterated goods, for the purpose of deceiving another, or knowing that they are intended to deceive, . is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding seven years and fine.

Article 394.- Aggravation and Collateral Penalties.

(1) Where the criminal had made a profession of the
above mentioned crime, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from five years to ten years, and a fine not less than five thousand Birr, according to the gravity of the case. (2) Nothing shall affect confiscation of the goods and publication of the sentence.

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Article 395.-

Falsification Health.
'

and: Adulteration

Injurious

to

Nothing shan, affect the, provisions relating to the

manufacture, adulteratipn anq sal.e of, noxious or damaged foodstuffs, goods, and other products capable ofjnjuringhealth (Art. 527), which shall be applied where ~ppropriate.

TITLE II BREACH OF SECREGY,AGAtNST(',UBLIC Article 396."

,

,INTEREST

Breaches of Military Secrecy.

(1) Any member of ,the De,fellce Forces, or any person

,in the'$ervice thereof, who, apart from cases of treason and espionage, puniShable under the , . . relevant ' provisions (Arts. 248-252), discloses or communicates information, papers or facts which are secret, or have ~een secret by order, or are not intended for 'P4blication, which h~ve come to his knowledge in the course of his duti,es, is 'punishable, , even ,where his .duties have ended,, with rigorous imprisonrnerit,not exceeding ,
. i . -'

seven

years.

,-'

I'

,
,(2) The punishment shall be rigorous' imprisonment exceeding fifte'Gn years: "

not

a)

where the crime concerns secret information or'document kept in cipHer, ,or of which the safekeeping .had been expressly entrusted to the accused person,oL where the latter has sworn an explicit oath of secrecy; or

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b)

Criminal Code
Where the damage caus~d by the crime ~ffects particularly vital in,t.erests.

(3) Where the crime is committed negligently, the punishment shall be fine or simple imprisonment riot exceeding one year in the case Qf the simple
.

crime under.sub-article' (1), or simple' imprisonment

not exceeding three' years wheh~ aggravation under s'ub-article (2) above: there is

Article 397.-

Breaches of Official Secrecy.

(1) Public servants (Art. 402)" who disclose information, documents or facts which are secret within. the meanthg of-Artidle396 and which have come to their knowledge in the cc;>urseof their duties, are punishabl~ with'simple imprisb'nment or fine, whether the disclosure wasrT1ade during the period of 'their employment, . office- or duties or after
termination thereof. "
.

(2) Where ther,eis aggravatiOn due t6 the criminal's speCial obligation to rri~intain secrecy or special position of trust, or to the gravity of the damage caused by the breapD oJ'duty, the ,punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment not exqee<;fing ten years.
,

(3) Where the crime is c9mmitted negligently, the punishment shall .be finj3 - not exceeding one
thousand Birr, or simple imprisonment not exceeding one year.in the case of the simple crime under sub. article. (1)" or simple imprisonment not exceeding "three years in the case of the crime under sub-article . (2), hereinabove.

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Criminal Code Article 398.Authorized' Disclosure.

227

Disclosure',n th,e interest of the public before a Court of justi~e or a compete'ntCoud,of inquiry is' not punishable where' it is made'" with ,the, writt~n consent of the competent civil,administrative or militaryauthority. a'reaches of Professional Secrecy.

Article .399.-

(1) Ministers of religion of whatever belief, advocates, legal aqvisers, attorneys, arbitrators, .experts, jurors, lransla!ors and interpreters, notaries, directors, manag~rs" inspectors or employees of private companies or undertakings pledged to secrecy under the provisions of the Civil and Commercial Codes, and doctors, dentists, pharmacists, midwives, nurses and auxiliary medical personnel, who disclose a secret which has come to their knowledge in the course of their professional duties, 'whether or not such duties have ended at the moment ofd!sclosure, are punishable, upon complaint, imprisonment or fine. (2) with simple

Students, probationers or apprentices who disclose a secret which they have learned in the course of their professional training are liable to, the punishment prescrib~d under sub-article (1) above. Where the breach is committed negligently, it is punishable, upon 'complaint, with fine not exceeding one thousand Birr or simple imprisonment not exceeding one year.

(3)

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228 Criminal Code

Article 400.-

Authorized Disclosure.

(1) Any disclosure shall not be punishable: (a) where. it is made Withthe express consent of' the person interested in keeping the secret; (b) where, at th~ suggestion, or request of the . professional or supervisory body has given its wri~en,permission for disclosure; (c) where it is made followingan express decision (d)' where special provisions of the law permit or Impose' the dUty, in the 'interests of public order, to give evidence before a Court of justice or to ir'lforma public authority.
.

possessor of the secret, the competent higher

of a Courtofjusticein a specificcase; or

(2) Where disclosure is expressly ordered by law, by a Court of justice or by the competent authority, the possessor of the secret cannot invoke his
. professionalobligationto maintainsecrecy.

The .secrecy of religious confession .is at all times inviolable. Article 401.Trade Secrets.
,

Disclosure of Scientific, Industrial or

{1) Whoever, in violation of his legal, contractual or

occupational obligation,discloses an economic,

scientific or technological development or information, industrial or trade or scientific secret or scientific method of its application, to a person to whon:lhe is not expected so to do, with intent to cause prejudice to its owner or the possessor, or to .derive-an adv~ntage from it for himself or another,

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229

is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding one year,arid.. fihenot exceeding .ten thousand. Birr. (2) Where a scientific secret vital to national defence is disclosed, the special provisions specified under Article 396 shall apply.

TITLE. III CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC OFFICE CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 402.Definitions.

(1) "Public servant" means any person who temporarily or permanently performs functions being employed by, or appointed, assigned or elected to, a public office or a public enterprise. .

(2) "Public office" means any office fully or partially financed by government budget, and which performs the functions of the Federal or Regional Governments.
(3) "Public enterprise" means a: Federal. or Regional Government enterprise or share company, in which the Government has total or partial share as an owner. (4) In this Title, unless the context requires otherwise, "advantage" means:

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230

Criminal Code a) any gi,ft,loan, fee, reward or commission consisting of money, or of any valuable security
or of other property or interest in property;
b) any office, emptoym,ent or contract;

c) any payment, remission, discharge or liquidation of any loan, obligation or other liability, whether in whole or in part; : d) any service orfayour, including protection from any penalty or disability, incurred apprehended or from any action of or not already instituted;
e) the exercise of "or forbearance from the exercise of, any right, duty or obligation;

or an

administrative, civil or criminal nature, whether

f)

any other advantage or service other than those listed 'above and riot assessable In terms of money; and

g) any offer, . undertaking or promise of any

advantage within., the' meaning of, any of the preceding paragraphs from (a) to (f). (5.) "Undue advantage" means an improper benefit or a
j

benefit obtained through improper means.

<

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Criminal Cqde Article 403.Presumption or 'to Injure. 231.

of Intent to Obtain Advantage

Unless evidence ispFoducedto

the contrary, where it

is proved that the . material element (the act) has

been committed as defined in a particular Article providing for a crime of corruption. perpetrated to obtain or procure undue advantage or to cause injury, slJch act shall be presumed to have been committed with intent to obtain for oneself or to procure for another an undueaqvantage or to injure the right or interest of a third person.

Article 404.-

Principle

Any public servant who commits one of the crimes specified in this Title shall be liable to the punishments prescribed hereunder. (1) Where the act which a public servant has done or omitted tC),do in the discharge of his duties; and in respect towhich he i~ charged, comes within the scope of ordinary criminal law, but there is aggravation due to the criminal's public poMion and the breach of the special responsibility upon him by virtue of the trust placed in him, the relevant provisions of the other titles . ..
of this Code shall apply. (2) Any public servant who, with intent to obtain for himself or to procure for another an undue advantage or to injure the right of another, directly or indirectly, accepts or solicits an undue advantage by improperly performing his responsibility or duty; or who, in any other way, misuses the resp6nsibtlity or public trost vested in him to procure an undue advaRtage for himself or another; or

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Criminal Code
Any person whO,with inte,:,t'tocibtainfor himself or to procure for another an undue advantage or to injure the rightofanotner, promises, offers, gives or agrees to give an undue advantage. to a public . servant; or
Any persof1,whogives, or any public servant who for an performed or to be

accepts, an .undue advantage in consideration act of' ciJUblic office "properly performed, shall be deemed

to have committed

crimes of

corruption specified in this Chapter, and be1iable to the punishments prescribed in the provisions below. (3). In addition .to the crimes,specified and Chapter 468),forg~ryor "documents
. .

in Chapter 1/Section I

III Section

I of this Title the crimes of of

o'

corruption ,als,o include .corrupt electoral. p~actices (Art. falsification public

'. .

or

military

(Art. 479), aggravated breach' of trust (Art. of .~nd aiding in money aggravated
.

676(1 )), and the commission laundering (Art. 684), committed

.

fraudulent

misrepresentation

bya

public servant (Art.

696 (an.

(4) Any public servant shall, in addition to the punishment under the provision, infringed, forfeit the profit, money or property unlawfully obtained"or pay its equivalent value where the profit or property is not found.

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233

Article 405.-

The Concurrent Application of Administrative Compensation. Penalties and

Conviction or acquittal under the provisions of this Chapter , . ,

.

shall not exclude liability for damagesandj penalties.

or administrative

Article 406.-

Exemption from Ptosecution. having taken part in a corruption crime, on the crime committed and

(1) Whoever,

,supplies vital information the role of participants

therein, before the matter is by the. competent

taken to Court, may be exempted

organ from prosecution in accordance with this Criminal Code. (2) Special procedures shall be laid down in the Criminal the assessment and
-

Proc,edure' Code concerning vitality of Jhe information

of the for

the

conditions

exemption from prosecution of the' person, who has

disclosed the crime. (3) The bribe, gift or valuable thing a person has given in considera.tion for service he has lawfully obtained or is entitled to obtain shall be rstored to him out of the

property forfeited to the State on account . of . the crime, ' where he has disclosed his act of giving such an advantage.

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234 Criminal Code'

CHAPTER II
, "

CRIMES COMMITTED BY PUBLIC SERVANTS AGAINST PUBLIC OFFICE Section 1.- Corruption Crimes Committed by Public Servants in Breach of Trust and Good Faith Article 407.- Abuse of Power. (1) Any public servant who, with intent to obtain for himself or to procure tor' another' an undu~advantageor to injure th~ right or interest O-fanother: a) misuses his official position or the power proper to his office, whether by a pdsitive ad or by a culpable om,ission;. or b) exceeds the power with which he is officially invested; or . c) performsoffiGialacts when he is 'not, or is no longer, qualified to do so, especially in the case or in consequence of incompetence, suspension, transfer, removal from office or its cessation, is punishable, according to the circumstancs-s of the case wi'thsimple imprisonm'ent for not less than one year, or with rigorous imprisonment 'not exceeding ten years and fine, where there is no express pr9vision in this Code concerning the matter.
,

(2) Wher-e ~he purpose of the breach of responsibility' or

duty solicited, the amount of the money or gifts received in cohsideration, the official capacity or powers of the person corrupted or the extent of the harm to private, public or State interests renders the case of particular gravity, the punishment shal! be rigorous imprisonment 'from seven years to fifteen years and fine not exceeding fifty thousand Birr.

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(3), Where two or more of the circumstances mentioned in sub-article (2) are found concurrently, the, punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from ten years to twentyfive years and fine not exceeding one hundred thousand Birr. Article 408.- Corrupt Practices. (1) Any public servant who, directly or indirectly, seeks, receives or exacts a promise of an advantage for himself or another,in consideration for the performance or omission of an act, in violation of the duties proper to his office, is punishable with simplEr imprisonment for not less than one year,or: 'rigorous imprisonment not exceedjng ten years and fine not exceeding twenty thousand Birr. (2) Where the purpose of the breach of responsibility or duty solicited, the extent of the advantage received, the official capacity or powers of the person corrupted or the ,extent of the harm to private, public or State interests renders the case of particular gravity, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from seven years to fifteen years and fine not exceeding fifty thousand Birr. (3) Where two or more of the circumstances
.

mentioned

in sub-article (2) above are present concurrently,

the Plinishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from ten years to twenty-five years and fine not exceeding one hundred thousand Birr. (4) Any pub!ic servant who, in the manner specified undersub~article(1 )ofthis Article, and in respect of a duty connected with international trade, solicits,

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236 Criminal Code'
accepts or agrees to ac'cept ~n advantage or a gift from any foreign Stilte, person or organization, including a transnational corporation,

shall, according to the circ..umstance of the case, be liable to one of the punishments prescribed in the three sub-artic.les hereinabove.

Article 409.-

Acceptance of Undue Advantages.

(1) Any public servant who, for the performance

of an act

proper ,to his office, solicits or obtains an advantage or exacts a promise before 'or after the performance of such an act, is punishable, according to the circumstances of the case, with simple imprisonment for not less than one year, or with rigorous imprisonment note'xceeding seven years and fine not exceeding ten thousand Birr.
"

(2) Where

the extent of' the advantage ,received

or the

official capacity or powers of the person corrupted renders the case of particular gravity, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from five year$ to fifteen years and fine not ~~ceedihgthirty thousand Birr. (3) Where the crime is committed in respect of a duty

connected with international trade, the punishment prescribed in the sub-articles herein above shall be applicable, according to the circumstances of the case.

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237

Article 410.(1)

Corruption Committed by Arbitrators and Other Persons.

Any conciliator, arbitrator, juror, trustee or liquidator, translator or interpreter ~ngaged by the public authorities .in their technical' capacity,. or expert testifying before or giving' his opinion to judicial or quasi-judicial proceedings, who solicits or accepts an advantage or gift from a person interested in the matter, in consideration. for. the performance or omission of an act in violation of the. duties proper to his office, is punishable, according to the' circumstances of the' case, with one 'of the' penalties prescribed under the first three sub-articles of Article 408.

(2)

Whenever one .of the persons mentioned under subarticle '(1) solicits oraccepts an advantage or gift, before or after performing an act proper to his office or duty,he shall, according to the circumstances of the case, be liable to one of the penalties prescribed under the first two sub-articles of Article 409 of this Code.

Article 4 ~J.-

Maladmioistration.

(1) Any public servant who, with intent to obtain for himself or to procure for another-an undue advantage, and by using his power or responsibility: a) improperly takes or ensures for himself, by

concludinga contract..or by devising other means,

an interest in a bllsiness or o!her undertaking, a sale or a purchase, or any otherJransQ.ctionrelated with his duty; or

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238 Crimina1 Code b). concludes a s~pply orpublicworks contract or any other transaction at Clprice higher than that fixed by the competent authority; or c) in general, by." any means, injures the public inter~sts entrusted to his charge and which it ,is his
.

duty;to protect,

is punishable with rigorous-imprisonment not e,xceeding ten years 'and fine not exceeding fifty thousand Birr. (2) Where, the purpose of the breach of responsibility or duty solicited, the extent of the advantage received, the Qfficial capacity or powers of the person corrupted or the extent of the harm to private, public or State intere,s,ts rel)ders. the case pf particular gravity, the punishment shall he rigorous. imprisonmerttfrom seven years to' fifteen years and fine" not' exceeding one hundred thousand Birr. '

(3) Where two or more of the circumstances mentioned in sub-article (2) above are present concurrently, .the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from ten years to twenty-five years and fine not exceeding two hundred thousand.Birr. (4) The punishment shall be simpleoimprisonment, or rigoroLisimprisonment not-exceeding five years and fine, where the criminal, without intent to obtain an advantage for himself or to procure the same for another:

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239

a) has caused a co'ntract to be concluded, relating to a business or other undertaking, a purchase or sale, or any transacti~n concerning his department, between his office. and an organization in which he himself or his close relative or a person wj~ whom he has a bond of affection is an interested party or a shareholder, or with a charitable.. organizatiOn of which he is a founder or a member; or b) has purchased certain prpperty or. taken part in an auction, while prohibited bylaw or regulations from so doing, in his own name or in the name of, or together with, another person. "Relative" means. a person who is related to the criminal, in accordance with the relevant law, by consanguinity orby affinity.

Article 412.:- Unlawful Disposal of Object in Charge. (1) Any public servant who, without lawful authority but without intent to appropriate: (a) opens or permits to be opened, takes or permits to be taken, communicates or hands.over.to another a packet, envelope or document, securities, or any other object whatsoever received on deposit or unde,rseal; or
(b) makes use of such objects, or authorized another to . make use of them,

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is punishable with fine not exceeding seven thousand

Birr or simple. imprisonment not exceeding five years, where the act does hot fall . under a provision prescribing . a more severe penalty. (2) WhereJhe crime had been committed for. purposes of speculation, _.the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years and fine.

(3) Where the crime is COni mitted negligently, the puhishment shall be fine not exceeding one thousand Birr.

Article 413.- Appropriation and Misappropriation in the Discharge of Duties.

(1) Any public servant who with intent to obtain for himself or to procure for another an undue material advantage: a) appropriates' to himself objects, legal instruments, securities, cash, chattels or any consumable thing whatsoever in the course ofa search, seizure or process of confiscation, public auction, s~questration or distrait, or during any other similar procedure; or b) JT1!sC!-ppropriatessuqh objeG~s or securities which have been entrusted to him.or which have come into his hands by virtue of or in the course of his duties, is punishable, according to the circumstances of .the case, with simple imprisonment for not less than one year, or with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years and fine.

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241

(2) Where the extent of advantage obtained, the official capacity or powers of the person corrupted or the extent of the hatm to private,'public or State interest renders the case of particular gravity,

the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from seven years to fifteen years and fine not exceeding thirty thousand Birr (3) Where two or more of the circumstances mentioned in sub':article (2) are present concurrently,
the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from ten years to twenty-five years--and fine not exceeding fifty thousand Birr.

Article 414.- Traffic in Official.lnfluence.

(1)
Any public servant who solicits or accepts a gift or other advantage to procure for another, through the exercise of the influence, real or pretended, he enjoys by reason of his being a public $ervant:

a) a situation; an office, employment, declaration, reward or favour within the dispensation of the competent authority; or b) contracts, deals, undertakings, orders or other benefits resulting from agreements concluded with the public authorities or with an administration ptacedunder his control or direction; or c) in genera', an .advantage or a favourable decision on the part of a public authority or administration,

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Criminal Code.

is punishable; .accordingto the circumstances of the case, with simple imprisonment for not less than one year, or with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years and fine not exceeding thirtythousand Birr.
(2)

Where the purpQse of the breach Ofresponsibility or duty solicited, the extent of the advantage received, the officialcapacity or powers of the person corrupted or the extent of the harm to private, public or State interests renders the case of particular gravity, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from seven years to fifteen years; and fine not exceeding fifty

thousand Birr.
(3)

Where two or more of the circumstances mentioned in sub-article (2) above are present concurrently, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from ten years to twenty-five years and fine not exceeding one hundred thousand Birr.

Article 415.- megal Collection or Disbursement.

(1)

Any public servant who, with intent to obtain an undue advantage for himself: a) collects or orders the collection of taxes, dues,misbellaneous revenues or incomes, wages, salaries, compensa1ion or other expenses, which he knows. not to be due or to be in excess of what is legally due; or hands over or pays less than is due, while consigning or disbursing any object or money,

b)

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243

is punishable, acco~ding to the circumstances of the case, with sin,pl~ imprisonment for not less than 'one year, or with ,rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years and fine,not exceeding fifteen thousand Birr. (2) Where the crime is committed under one of the circumstances ~pecified in sub-article (2) of Article 414 at>ove, th~ ,punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from seven years to fifteen years and fjne Rotexceeding thirty thousand Birr. (3) Where the crime is committed under the circumstances specified in Article 414 above, the punishment shall be rigb)'bus,irnpri~bnment from ten years to twenty-five" years and fine not exceeding fiftythousandJ3irr.. (4) Where the crime is '.committed negligently, it is punishable with simple imprisonment and fine.
. ,

Article 416:-

Undue De'iJyof Matters.

Any PLiblic servant who; with intent to obtain an advantage, directly or indirectly, from any person interested in a matter br!:lght to. his attention, by reas()(1 of 'his responsibility of doty;' or to benefit or injure any party interested in suchrpa.tter, fails, without good cause, ,to decicj~ on or delays the matter or abuses the interested party contrary to law, manuals or acceptad
office practices,

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shall ,apart from)he cases penalized as petty offences, be punishable,. according to the circumstances of the case, with' fine or simple imprisonment, or with rigorous imprisonment not ex8eedingfive years.

Article 417;~Taking Things of Value without or with Inadequate Consideration. (1),Any public.. servant who,; withe>ut.proper cause, receives a thing of value without or with inadequate
.'

consideration, is...punishaqle with :,simPc'e. impriS9nment not

e~cee(;Jing fiv~ ye~rs.

(2) Where the declaration or registration of property, financial status or gifts received ,is required by law or regulations, failure to do so shall be pUlllishable as prescribed under sub':article (:1) of this Article. Receiving a valuable gift considered by national or local culture or custom as a common manifestation of affection; or obtaininga..gift from a close relative by consanguinity or affinity or by a close friend, does.not constitute a crime under this Article. Granting and Approving License Improperly.
" "

Article 418.-

ANI publi"c servant who intentionally grants or approves abusinesslidense orw6i"k'permiHo an ineligible person or toa p~rsQn not legally entitled to obtain such license or permit, or improperly grants or permits a place where things are to be done,

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245

is punishable, according to the circumstances of the case, with simple imprisonment or with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years. Article 41 ~..P05session of Unexplained Property.

(1) Any public servant, being or having been in a public . office, who: a) maintains a standard of living above that which is commensurate with the official income from his present or past employment or other means; or b) is in control of pecuniary resources or property disproportionate to the official income from his present or past employment or other means, shall, unless he gives a satisfactory explanation to the Court as to how he was able to maintain such a standard of living or how such pecuniary resoLlrces or property came under his control, be punished, without prejudice to the confiscation of the property or the restitution to the third party, with simple imprisonment or fine, or in serious cases, with rigoroLls imprisonment not exceeding five years and fine. (2) Where the Court, during proceeding under subarticle (1)(b), is satisfied that there is reason to believe that any person, owing to his closerless to the accused or other circumstances, was holding pecuniary resource or property in trust for or otherwise on behalf of the accused, such resources, or property shall, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, be presumed to have been under the control of the accused.

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Section 11.- Crimes Committed Duties

Article 420.-

in Breach of Official

Crimes Committed in Dereliction

of Duty.

(1) Any public servant who fails to carry out his duties in a proper manner and to the prejudice of State, public or private interest, is punishable with fine not exceeding one thousand Birr or simple impris.onment not exceeding six months. (2) Where substantial damage has resulted from the crime, both simple imprisonment and fine may be increased up to the general legal maximum.

Article 421.-

Unlawful

Striking.

Any public servant who, in breach of his professional or statutory obligations, goes on strike of his own free will, or urges others to strike, is punishable under Article 420.

Article 422.(1)

Abuse of the Right of Search or Seizure. Any public servant who, without legal authority, executes acts of search, seizure or sequestration of a person's property, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding seven years.

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(2) Any public servant who, even when lawfully authorized to carry out. searches or to effect seizure, enters another person's house or premises by using excessive force, or who executes acts of search, seiz~re or sequestration other than those authorized by law or without due regard for the. conditions and forms thereby prescribed, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not ~xc~eding five years and fine.

Article 423.-

Unlawful Arrest or Detention.

Any public sorvlnt who, contrary to law or in disregard

of the forms and safeguards prescribed by law, arrests, detains or othr30Nise deprives another of his freedom, is punis!lablo with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ton yous and fine.

Article 424.(1)

U 5e of Improper

Methods.

Any p'Jblic servant charged with the arrest, custody, suporvision, escort or interrogation of a person who is under. suspicion, under arrest, summonod to appear before a Court of justice, detainod orsorving a sentence, who, in the perfOrmalKO of his duties, improperly induces or gives a prr)mi38, threatens or treats the person con<:onmd in :m improper or brutal manner, or in a rnan(10( wrw;h i:; incompatible with human dignity or his offi(~(), cpr;r;i:tily by the use of blows, cruelty or phy:c;ic;l\ or 1\\)nt;:1.ltorture, be it to obtain a statement
or a conf:)s:c;ion, or to any other similar rnako him SJivo a toslimony in a favourable end, or to manner,

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is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine, or, in serious cases, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years and fine. Nothing in this Article shall affect. the concurrent application of the relevant provision' where the act constitutes an additional crime. (2) Where the crime is committed by the order of an official, such official shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding fifteen years and fine.

Article 425.-

Unlawful Release and Aiding to Escape.

(1) Any public servant who: (a) contrary to the law or instructions given to him, releases a person entrusted to his custody under lawful arrest or imprisonment; or (b) causes, permits or aids any such person to escape, is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding three years and fine not exceeding three thousand Birr. (2) Where the circumstances or the means used for the escape .or improper release, the damage caused by it, the. ,seriousness of the grounds on which the detention was ordered, or the dangerous character of the person detained renders, the case of exceptional gravity, the fine may be increased up to the maximum prescribed by law and the punishment of deprivation of liberty shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years.

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(3) Where the crime is committed
.

249

negligently,

the

punishmEmt shall be, fine not exceeding one

thousand five' huhdred Birr and irnprisonmeryt not exceeding one year. Article 426.simple

Release of Prisoners of War, or Military Internees andAidingtoEscape~

(1) Any public servant who, contrary to law or . instructions, releases or aids to escape prisoners of war or military internees under hi~ custody, is' punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding fifteen years.
(2) Where the crime is committed negligently, -.punishment. shall be simple imprisonment exceeding two years. CHAPTER III CRIIVIES .AGAINST PUBLIC OFFICI; BYTHIRDPARTIES
Section 1.- . CrimesofCorruptioftC~mmitted

the not

by Third Parties in Connection with Public Office .of C(>,rnJ~~~ra~tic~s~

, . , "

Arti<;le427.-.

Soli~iting

(1)

Whoever, with intent toprocare a public servant to perform or omit an act in violatfoh of the duty proper tohis.9ffice,gives(>r offers an advantage or gift,to such public servant,
. " .'

is' punishable, according 'to the circumstances of the 'case, with simple imprisonment, or with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding seven years and fine not exceeding fifteen thousand Birr.

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'(2)

V'v'hoev~r gives or offers an advantage or gift to any official or employee of' a foreign State or international organization, with intent to procure him 'to perform or omit an act related to international trade in violation of his official duties, is puniShable) as pro~ided undersub-article (1).

(3) Where the advantage or giHoffered by the criminal is considerable, or wher.ethe,act has caused .' substantial damage to State, ('public or private interests, the~ punishment shall. be rigorous imprisonment from five years to fifteen years and fine not exceeding fifty thousand Birr. (4),Any person who, in comsideration for the performance by a public servant of an act proper to his office, gives or offers him an advantage or agift before or after the performance of such an act,

is punishable, according to the circumstances of the case, with fine, or sif)1ple imprisonment, or with rigorous imprisdhmehtnot exceeding five years. (5) Where ,the crimes specified in ,the preceding subarticles are' committed by a 'juridical' persorl;' the punishment ,.. shall be fine as provided under Article 90(3),'
",

(6)

In Addition te>the' pl;Joisl1menrlaid down under this Article, the Co'urt may give an' order depriving the criminal., Permanently or teITlPor~rily, ,of his right to take partin :any ,contract or transaction with the " . .State.

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Article 428.- Giving Things of Value Without ot With Inadequate Consideration. Whoever, in the circumstances specified under Article 417, offers, gives or"agrees to give to any public servant or to any other person relat~ to him, anything of value without or with an inadequate consideration, is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding five years.

Article 429.- Acting. as a go-between. Whoever, even without receiving any consideration for himself, accepts money, a valuable thing, a service or some other benefit from another with a view to giving it as bribe to a public servant or who lends his banking account by acting as a go-between, is punishable, according to the circumstanc~s of the case, with simple imprisonment, or with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years and fine.

Article 430.- Use of Pretended Authority. Whoever, promising to perform certain things, solicits or accepts an undue advantage or gifttrom another: a) by pretending to be still on active duty while he has been suspended, transferred, removed or dismissed from or has quitted his public office;or

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b)

by entertaining the belief of 'becoming a public

servant in the future;or

c)

by holding himself on to be a public servant,.

is punishable according to the circumstances of the case, with simple imprisonment, or with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years.

Article 431.- Traffic in Private Influence. Whoever, not being a public servant and not being liable to the special provision (Art 414), seeks, exacts a promise or receives sums of money, gifts, presents or other advantages in. consideration for exercising his influence, real or pretended,to procure for another any privilege, benefit or advantage which can only be
granted by a public servant,
is punishable with simple imprisonment for not less than one year or fine not less than twe) thousand Birr.

Section 11.- Crimes Committed

Against Article 432.the Performance official Contempt of proclamations.

by Third Parties of Public Duty notices and

Whoever, without authority or a right so to do, intentionally removes, damages, destroys or renders illegible notices, proclamations or. decisions publicly exhibited by the authorities,

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is punishable with simple imprisonment exceeding six months or fine not exceeding thousand Birr.

253 not one

Article 433.-

Engaging in an activity without or beyond

the scope of a license.

Whoever performs any activity, in respect of which a license is required bylaw or regulations, without obtaining such license or by exceeding the limits of his license, is punishable according to the circumstance of the case with simple imprisonment or fine; or with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years and fine.

Article

434.-

Infraction of the Rules Compufsory Registration.

Concerning

(1) Whoever intentionaUy fails within the time-limits fixed

by law to make declaration to the compet(3nt authorities a required to ensure the due entry in the or other real transactions, to the of facts or status to of the

official registers of marriages or deaths, of property or commercial certified individuals establishment to statements relating estate

transactions,

or operation of companies or to any

other like obligation, is punishable thousand Birr. with simple imprisonment not

exceeding three months or fine not exceeding one

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(2) Where the failure to make such declaration is habitual or repeated, or is in defiance of an order or summons issued by the competent authority, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment not exceeding six months, or fine not exceeding two thousand Birr. (3) Nothing in this Article shall affect the special provision regarding the failure to register the birth of an infant (Art. 656).

Article 435.-

Breach of Prohibition Debates or Documents.

tQ publish

Official

Whoever, not being entitled or expressly authorized so to do, publishes in whole or in part deeds, reports, instructions, deliberations or decisions of a public authority, the content of which is required to be kept secret by law or. by virtue of an express decision of the competent authority, is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding three years or fine.

Article 436.- Arbitrary Action.

Whoever, without authority or contrary to the law: (a) seizes, against the will of the possessor, a chattel or pledge he has handed over to him, or which is the subject of legal proceedings; or (b) seizes a chattel belonging to his debtor in order to obtain a payment due to him; or (c) in general, arbitrarily exercise a right which he does not possess or which he may not lawfully exercise, is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding one year, or fine not exceeding five thousand Birr.

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Article 437.-

Usurpation of Powers.

(1) Whoever, for an unlawful purpose or to obtain for himself or to procure for another, an advantage, arrogates to himself the power, the insignia, the rank of a commission or an authority, or the power to issue official orders of any kind, is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding one year, or fine not exceeding one thousand Birr. (2) Where the crime is committed to abuse another or to cause him to suffer an injury, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment or fine.

Article 438.-

Obstruction of Government Functions Breaches of the Duty to Co-operate.

and

Whoever, having been requested by a public servant in accordance with law or a Court order given in connection with public office refuses to appear and provide statements, to give proper responses, to produce documents or to have them inspected, or to have different houses, places or things searched, or fails in general to co-operate in an investigation or in any other way obstructs public office, is punishable with simple exceeding five years or fine. Article 439.Breaking Objects. imprisonment not

of Seals and Misappropriation

of

Whoever intentionally and without lawful authority:

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256 Criminal Code (a) removes, damages or breaks an official seal, mark, or sign affixed for the purpose of identifying, closing, preserving or protecting an object, a writing or a document, or for prohibiting access to any place, or nullifies the effect of such seal, mark or sign in any way; or (b) purloins, misappropriates, damages or destroys objects, writings or documents seized, sequestrated or placed in the hands of or entrusted to the care or safekeeping of the public authorities or of a third party, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years, or fine not exceeding ten thousand Birr.

Article 440.-

Resisting Authority.

(1) Whoever, without proper cause: (a) offers resistance to a public servant in the exercise of his official duties; or (b) fails, when summoned to do so by a public servant in the exercise of his duties, to quit an unlawful assembly or a prohibited place, or to take part in measures to combat a public damage, caused by a conflagration, floods or any other like happening; or (c) fails to obey a lawful decision of a competent authority duly notified to him under pain of the penalty prescribed in this Article, is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding one year or ffne not exceeding one thousand Birr.

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(2) Where the resistance to authority or disobedience is accompanied by force, intimidation, violence or assault, the provisions of Article 44.1 shall apply.

Article 441.-

Violence and Coercion.

(1) Whoever: (a) by use of threats, coercion or violence, prevents a public servant from performing an act which it is his duty to perform, or forces him to perform such an act or an act which he is not supposed to do; . or (b) strikes a public servant or his assistants or uses violence or any other act of coercion against him, is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding three years, or fine not exceeding five thousand Birr. (2) According to the gravity of the crime and the rank of the victim, where the latter has been threatened, coerced or struck by means. of a weapon or other instruments, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years. (3) Where the as~ault or violence has caused physical injury or impairment of health on the victim, the relevant provision of concurrence of crimes shall apply.

Article 442.-

Collective Action.

Where the intimidation, coercion, or violence is the deed of an unlawful assembly or rioting mob, the relevant provisions (Art. 484 and 488) shall a,pply concurrently.

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TITLE IV CRIME AGAINST THE ADMINISTRATION

OF JUSTICE

CHAPTER I CRIMES AGAINST JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS Article 443.Failure to Report a Crime.

(1) Whoever, without good cause: a) knowing the commission of, o"r the identity of the perpetrator of, a crime punishable with death or rigorous imprisonment for life, fails to report such things to the competent authorities; or b) is by law or by the rules of his profession, obliged to notify the competent authorities in the interests of public security or public order, of certain crimes or certain grave facts, and' does not do so, is punishable with fine not exceeding one thousand Birr, or simple imprisonment not exceeding six months.

(2) Nothing in this Article shall affect the provisions of Articles 254 'and 335. '
Article 444.- Crimes against Whistleblowers or Witnesses.

(1)

Whoever assaults, suppresses or harms any person who gives information or evidence to justice authorities or is a witness in criminal cases,
is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine.

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(2)

Where the crime has entailed grave harm to the body or health of the victim or, his death, the relevant. provision concerning such matters shall apply concurrently.
Harbouring and Aiding.

Article 445.-

Whoever knowingly saveS from prosecution a person who has fallen under a provision of criminal law, whether by warning him or hiding him, by concealing or destroying the traces or instruments of his crime, by misleading the investigation, or in any other way,

is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine.

Article 446.-

Misleading Justice.

Whoever: a) falsely notifies-the authorities of a crime which has not been committed, or falsely accuses himself of a crime which he has not committed; or b) knowingly gives the authorities inaccurate information in relation to criminal investigation or proceedings, is punishable with. simple imprisonment not exceeding six months, or fine not exceeding one thousand Birr.

Article 447.-

False Denunciation

or Accusation.

Whoever: (a) denounces to the authorities as the perpetrator of a crime a person he knows to be innocent; or

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(b) has in any othe( way, especially by feigning a crime

or making an anonymous or inaccurate denunciation, intrigued with the object of causing such proceedings to betaken against an innocent person, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years and fine; However, where the false denunciation or accusation has resulted in a more severe punishment he himself shall be sentenced to the punishment which he has caused to be wrongfully inflicted upon the innocent person.

Article 448.-

Refusal to Aid Justice.

(1) Any person who had been lawfully summoned to appear in judicial or quasi-judicial proceedings as an accused person, witness, expert, interpreter, assessor or juror; or ordered. to produce or send an accused person or evidence: (a) fails or refuses to appear without sufficient cause; or (b) fails to produce or send the accused person or evidence; or (c) having appeared, refuses, contrary to law, to answer questions or to obey orders, is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding two months, or fine not exceeding one thousand Birr. (2) Where the criminal pleads a false excuse for the crime committed under sub-article (1), he shall be punished with simple imprisonment not exceeding three months and fine.

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(3) Where such person has fraudulently obtained exemption from the obligation placed upon him, simple imprisonment may be increased up to the general maximum prescribed by law, subject to the application of more severe specific provisions under which the fraud may fall, especially those concerning the use of false certificate or forgery.

(4) Where the crime is committed before a Court or a quasijudicial organ, the punishment prescribed above may be imposed summarily.
Contempt of Court. of a judicial inquiry,

Article 449.-

(1)

Whoever, in the course proceeding or hearing,

(a) in any manner insults, holds up to ridicule, threatens or disturbs the Court or a judge in the discharge of his duty; or (b) in any other manner disturbs the activities of the Court,
is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding one year, or fine not exceeding three thousand Birr. The Court may deal with the crime summarily. (2) Where the crime is not committed in open Court but

while the judge is carrying out his duties, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment not exceeding six months, or fine not exceeding one thousand Birr.

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262 Criminal Code (3) Where the crime is committed in open Court or during judicial proceedings with violence or coercion, the relevant provision shall apply concurrently (Art. 441).

Article 450.-

Breach of Secrecy of Proceedings.

(1) Whoever, without lawful authority or excuse, discloses facts, whether secret or declared secret by the Court hearing the case, which have come to his knowledge in the course of the proceedings at which he was present,

is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding six moths, or fine not exceeding five hundred Birr. (2) Where the disclosure is committed in violation of official or professional secrecy, the relevant provisions shall apply (Art. 3'97and 399). Articie 451.- Publication of Inaccurate Reports of Proceedings. (1) or Forbidden

Whoever publishes information, a note, a precis or a report which is inaccurate or distorted concerning judicial cases which are adjourned, proceeding or pending, is punishable with fine not exceeding five hundred Birr, or, in more serious cases, especially those likely to perturb public opinion or to cause injury to another, with simple imprisonment not exceeding six months.

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(2)

Publication forbidden by law or by order of the Court is punishable under the relevant special provision (Art. 435). Where the publication is unlawful, inaccurate and intentional, the Court shall increase the sentence in accordance with the provisions relating to concurrence (Art. 184).

CHAPTER

II

PERJURY AND COGNATE CRIMES Article 452. - False Statements by a Party.

(1)

Any party to proceedings before a judicial or quasi-judicial tribunal who being required to speak the truth, knowingly gives a false statement relating to facts material to the issue to be decided by the tribunal,
"

is punishable, even where the result sought is not achieved, with simple imprisonment not exceeding one year, or, where the false statement has been made in the course of criminal proceedings and is likely to cause injustice, with rigorous imprisonment not exceed.ingthree years.
Where the party has been sworn or affirmed to speak the truth, the punishment shal,' be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years, particularly whe~e the result sought has been in whole or in part achieved.

(2)

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(3) Mere inaccurate anegations by a party in defence of his interests are not subject to these provisions.

Article 453. - False Testimony, Opinion or Translation.

(1) Whoever being a witness in judicial or quasijudicial proceedings knowingly makes or gives a false statement or expert opinion, or hides the truth whether to the advantage or the prejudice of any party thereto, is punishable, even where the result sought is not. achieved, with simple imprisonment, or, in the more serious cases, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years.
(2) .Where a witness has been sworn or affirmed to speak the truth, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years, particularly where the result sought has been in whole or in part achieved. Where, however, in a criminal case, the person has been wrongly convicted incurred rigorous imprisonment of more years in consequence of the witness's witness may himself be sentenced punishment which he has caused accused or has than ten act, the to the to be

wrongfully innieted.

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265

(3) Any translator or interpreter who falsely trans~ates or interprets anything in connection with such proceedings. and the translation or the interpretation relates to facts material to the issue to be decided by the tribunal, shall be liable to the punishments under sub7'article (1) or sub-article (2) above, according, to the circumstances. (4) Where due to its discovery, the false testimony, opinion, translation or interpretation is incapable of influencing the decision of the tribunal, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment not exceeding two'years.

Article 454.-

Correction or Withdrawal.

Where the criminal has of his own free will corrected or withdrawn his false testimony, opinion, translation or interpretation before it has taken effect, and provided that the proceedings affected have not. been fina.lly concluded, the Court may without restriction mitigate the punishment incurred (Art. 183). The Court may, according to the circumstances of the case, impose no other punishment than a reprimand accompanied by a warning for the future, where the crime is not serious, and where the correction or withdrawal is prompted by honesty.

Article 455.- Provocation and Suborning.

(1) Whoever, by gifts, promises, threats, trickery or deceit, misuse of his personal influence or any other means, induces another to make a false accusation, to give false testimony or to make a false report, application or translation before the concerned organ in judicial or quasi-judicial proceedings,

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266 Criminal Code is punishable, even where the act solicited has not be~n performed, with simple imprisonment, unless he is punishable. for incitement in accordance with the provisions of the General Part (Art. 35). (2) Whoever, by violence, intimidation or by promising or offering or giving undue advantage causes another to make false accusation or give false testimony or obstructs, through interference, the giving of testimony or the production of evidence in relation to a crime punishable with rigorous imprisonment for more than two years or obstructs law enforcement officials or public servants while exercising their official duties in relation to the same crime, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment seven years. not exceeding

Article 456. -

Misrepresentation

in Proceedings.

Whoever, apart from the cases provided for above, in the course of judicial or quasi-judicial proceedings, and with intent to deceive the tribunal, to obstruct proof or to pervert the course of justice with the object of securing a material or moral advantage, or. of influencing, favourably or adversely, the decision of the tribunal: a) conceals, purloins, destroys, damages or renders wholly or party .unusable an instrument of title belonging to another, a document in the case, or any exhibit or proof of guilt whatsoever; or b) hides, modifies, damages places, things or persons, or alters the state of

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is puni$hable, where the crime does not come under a more severe provision of this Code, with simple imprisonment, or in serious cases, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding seven years.

Article 457.- Tendentious Publications intended to pervert the Course of Justice.

Whoever, in any manner whatsoever, publishes or spreads news, a note, a precis, a criticism, a report or a pamphlet which is inaccurate, or known to be tendentious, or which distorts the facts, and which has been draw up for the purpose of influencing a judicial decision in a case being or to be tried, whether by informing the accused person or his accomplices or by acting upon the feelings of the judge, jurors, witnesses, experts or officers of the Court generally,

is punishable with fine not exceeding one thousand Birr. or simple imprisonment not exceeding six months.

Article 458.(1)

Betrayal of Interests.

Any advocate, attorney, procurator or legal advisor, who knowingly, in litigation of. any kind before any judicial or quasi-judicial tribunal, betrays the legal interests he has been instructed to defend, officially or by personal brief, whether by sacrificil'!g the interests of the party for whom he appears or by
c

acting simultaneously for both parties to the same

case, is punishable with simple imprisonment and fine.

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Where the accused. person has acted in concert with the opposing party, simple imprisonment shall be for not less than one year; where he has acted for gain, or to procure material advantage, the fine shall not exceed one hundred thousand Birr.

Where the crime is to the prejudice of a person charged with a crime punishable with death or rigorous imprisonment for life, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years.
(3) Where the crime. specified under sub-article (1) is committed negligently, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment not exceeding three months, or fine not exceeding fiVe thousand Birr.

CHAPTER III CRIMES AGAINST EXECUTION OF SENTENCE Article 459.Non-observance of Secondary Preventive Measures. Penalties and

Whoever, having been sentenced to one of the secondary penalties or forfeitures provided for in Article 123, or to one of the preventive measures provided for in Articles 141 to 154, knowingly breaks the prohibition or obligation imposed upon him by law,

is punishable, where no other provision prescribes a more severe punishment (Art. 465), with
a fine not exceeding one hundred Birr, or, in more serious cases, with simple imprisonment not exceeding one month.

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269

has been sentenced by a Court,

is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine.

Article 461.(1)

Escape of Prisoner.

Whoever, being lawfully detained or imprisoned, escapes from a place where he is under custody, is punishable with exceeding six months. simple imprisonment not

(2)

Where the crime is committed by doing threats or violence towards persons, or by damaging property, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment not exceeding three years.
.

(3)

Where the criminal has been or is to be convicted for

the first crime, the relevant provisions concurrence of crimes or recidivism shall apply. on

Article 462. -

Procuring Of, and aiding to, Escape.

(1) Whoever, not being a public servant (Art. 402), procures or facilitates, by violence, coercion, intimidation, trickery, misuse of his personal influence or any other means, the escape of a person under lawful arrest or imprisonment, is punishable with simple imprisonment.

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Criminal Code (2) The punishment shall be simple imprisonment for not less than three months, and in more serious cases, rigorous imprisonment not exceeding seven years: a) where the escape has been accomplished, attempted or promoted by a number of persons acting together, or with the aid of instruments or weapons; or b) where the assistance is rendered to a person, whether a civilian or a member of the Defence Forces, sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for twenty years at least. (3) Where the criminals have had recourse to riot, or has done violence to persons or property, corrupted public employees or prison officers or committed any other concurrent crimes to achieve their ends, the provisions relating to increase of sentence in cases of concurrence (Art. 62 and 63) shall apply.

Article 463.-

Escape of Prisoners of War and Military Internees and Aiding them to Escape.

Without prejudice to Article 426, the provisions of Articles 461 and 462 shall apply also, in identical circumstances, to prisoners of war and military internees detained in camps or institutions set aside for them, even where they are not there confined in consequence of judicial sentence or decision.

Article 464.-

Mutiny of Prisoners.

(1) Whoever, being lawfully confined in any place, takes part jointly in riots or disturbances with intent:

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a) to coerce, by force or intimidation, the governor, an official or a warder of the institution, or any other person responsible for its administration or for supervision, to perform or to refrain from performing, any act contrary to their duty; or b) to attack any of the above persons while in the

discharge of their duties; or

c) to escape by means of violence to persons or property, is punishable with simple imprisonment from three months to five years, in addition. to the sentence beirig served or to be pronounced.

(2) The person who has organized or directed the mutiny is punishable: a) with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years where no act of coercion or violence has been committed; or b) where acts of coercion or violence have been committed, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years, subject to the application of more severe specific provisions where appropriate.
(3) Where acts of violence or injuries have been done to persons or property, the general provisions relating to increase of sentence in the case of a combination of, or of concurrent, crimes (Arts. 62 and 63) shall be applicable. Article 465. Breaking of Bounds.

Whoever, having been sentenced to obligatory residence in a certain place, or having been prohibited from residing or sojourning in a certain place, or expulsion, breaks the prohibition imposed upon him,

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is punishable,.except where there is force majeure, with simple imprisonment. not exceeding one year, without prejudice to an increase, where appropriate, of the measures of restriction of liberty he has infringed. The term of the sentence is not deducted from that of the measure of restriction of liberty.

TITLE V CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC ELECTIONS AND VOTING

Article 466. - Di.sturbanceand Prevention of Electoral Meetings and Proceedings.

(1) Whoever in any way improperly prevents, disturbs, obstructs or interrupts authorized civic or electoral meetings, or polling or elections duly held under the supervision of competent authorities, is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding one year, and fine not exceeding one thousand Birr. (2) Where violence is used against persons or property, or where brawls or riotous disturbances are fomented, the relevant provisions apply concurrently.

Article 467.- Interference with the Exercise of the Right of Voting or Election.
(1) Whoever by intimidation, coercion, abuse of power or violence, by fraud, especially by changing names, by concealing. or withholding a notice or summons, or by any other trick or method:

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(2)

a) prevents a person from exercising his legitimate right to vote or to be elected; or b) secures by such means his undertaking to exercise, or induces him to exercise, his right in a particular way, or to abstain from exerCising it, is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding one year, Or fine. Whoever does a wrong or an injury to another who has exercised his right in a particular way, or has abstained from exercising it, in pursuance of his admitted right to use it as he wishes, is liable to the same punishments.

Article 468. Corrupt Electoral Practices. (1) Whoever, directly or indirectly, promises or grants a sum of money, or any other advantage whatsoever to an individual, in order to persuade him to exercise his right to vote or to be elected in a particular way or to abstain from exercising it, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years, and fine. (2) Whoever possessing the right to vote or to be elected, accepts or agrees to accept a sum of money or any other advantage, in consideration of exercising his right, or exercising it in a particular way, or of abstaining from exerci~ing it, is liable to the same punishments. Article 469.Unfair Practices. (1) Any candidate who, contrary to law or directives, directly or indirectly, collects or receives money from an individual, group or organization, for expenses in connection with his election, or fails to observe the accounting rules of electoral expenses, or intentionally declares a lesser amount than his actual electoral expenses,

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is punishable.. with simple exceeding one year, or fine.

imprisonment

not

(2) Whoever, without-obtainingthe consent of the candidate, raises or grants money, .or contributes in any way to cover the election expenses of a candidate, is liable to the same punishments. (3) Whoever, directly or through an intermediary, fraudulently secures, abuses or misappropriates votes: a) with the help of false news or rumqurs circulatl!d by word of mouth or by correspondence, by pamphlets or placards, or by the press, the radio or any other medium of publicity;or b) with the help of any other fraudulent, irregular or dishonest practices, is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding one year, or fine not exceeding fivethousand Birr.
Article 470. - Fraudulent Registration.

(1) Whoever: a) causes himself to be entered on an electoral list or register under a false name or title or in a false capacity, or without disclosing an incapacity recognized by law; or b) causes himself to be entered on two or more lists at one and the same time, or improperly accepts or causes to be issued more than one election or voting card; or ct improperly causes third persons, whether living, missing, deceased or fictitious, to be registered, or receives cards in their name,

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is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding one year, or fine not exceeding one thousand Birr. (2) Where the crime specified under sub-article (1) is committed by a candidate, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding two years, or fine not exceeding ten thousand Birr. Article 471. - Fraudulent Elections. Whoever, during official elections of any kind, falsifies the true result thereof by acts done before, during or after the proceedings, especially: a) by counterfeiting, falsifying, altering or defacing, or by retaining, destroying or making away with electoral registers, completed electoral lists or deposited ballot papers; or b) by voting more than once in the same election; or c) by adding ballot. papers to the ballot boxes, or removing them therefrom, or by causing or permitting to vote improperly, in any manner whatsoever, persons domiciled outside the constituency, unqualified, disqualified, deceased or non-existent persons, or by depositing or knowingly permitting to be deposited in the ballot boxes invalid, falsified or counterfeit ballot papers; or d) by incorrectly counting or deliberately omitting votes, ballot papers, names or signatures, by reading out names or signatures other than those written down or by recording in the summary of proceedings or the official return a result other than the true one; or e) by withholding, concealing, altering or destroying electoral r,eturns or documents, or by improperly handing them over to persons not qualified to receive them, is punishable with simple irnprisonment or fine.

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Concurrence of Crimes.

Where the fraud or falsification is carried out by means of intangible or material forgery (Arts. 375 and 376) the

relevant provision applies concurrently.

Article 473. - Breach of Secrecy of the Ballot.

Whoever: a) by any unlawful means succeeds in discovering the way in which an elector has exercised his right or cast his vote; or b) having fortuitoustylearned of such a fact, intentionally makes it public and spreads it, whether by word of mouth, by way of .the press or otherwise, is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine.

Article 474. - Removal or Destruction of Ballot Papers or Boxes.

Whoever removes, makes away with or destroys ballot boxes containing votes or marked ballot papers not yet counted or the votes or ballot papers contained therei~, in whole or in part, is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine. (2) Wher~ the"crime is committed by more than one per~on or is aGcompanied by violence, the punishment is rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years,
. without

(1)

prejudice to increase of sentence with respect

tochiefs oningleaders{Art. 8~ (d)). (3) Acts of violence or coercion against a polling station or electoral or polling officers are punishable in accordance with the provisions of Articles 440 to 442.

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Article 475.Additional Penalties. Where an electoral crime is punished by imprisonment, the Court shall at all times order temporary deprivation of civic rights for a definite period (Art. 123(a)).

Article 476. - Aggravating Circumstances.

Where the person charged with a crime under this Title is a public servant or an official member or scrutinizer of an electoral or polling station, simple imprisonment shall be from one month up to one and a half times the punishment generally prescribed, where the act does not come under a specific provision such as that relating to abuse of powers (Art. 407) or that relating to breach of official secrecy (Art 397) . In more serious cases, or where the crime is repeated, the Court may add fine to the punishment of imprisonment.

TITLE VI CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC SECURITY, PEACE AND TRANQUILLITY CHAPTER I CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC SECURITY SECTION 1.-CRIMES CALCULATED OR LIKELY TO PROVOKE THE COMMISSION OF OTHER CRtMES

Article 477.- Dangerous Vagrancy. (1) Whoever, having no fixed abode or occupation and no regular or visible means of support, and being able-bodied, habitually and of set purpose leads a life of vagrancy or disorderly behavior, or lives by his wits thereby constituting a threat to public security,

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278 Criminal Code is punishable with compulsory labour with restriction of personal liberty (Art. 104), or with simple imprisonment not exceeding six months. (2) Where the criminal is found in possession of weapons or instruments fitted by their nature to the commission of a crime, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment, without prejudice to the application of the provisions concerning concurrence where the criminal has used threats or coercion, or has committed violence or assault against individuals. (3) The preventive measures of restriction of liberty (Arts. 144 to 149) may be ordered, to accompany the penal sentence, wherever the circumstances indicate that they are appropriate. Article 478. - Conspiracy. (1) Whoever conspires with one or more purpose of preparing or committing against public security or his heath, property, or persuades another conspiracy, persons for the serious crimes the person or to join such

is punishable, provided that the crime materialises, with simple imprisonment for not less than six months, and fine. For the purpose of this Article, "serious crimes" are crimes which are punishable with rigorous imprisonment for five years or more. (2) Where the conspirators are numerous, or where they are aimed or possess instruments or means fitted by their nature for the commission of a crime, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment for not less than one year, and fine.

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Criminal Code 279

(3) Where the dangerous nature of the conspiracy has been demonstrated by the commission of a serious crime, whether against life or person, public safety or property, by the commission of a series of crimes, whether or not of the same kind, or by acts, such as traffic in arms, narcotic substances or persons, the Court shall pronounce the maximum sentence provided by law, taking into consideration the provisions relating to concurrence (Art. 62 and 63).

Article 479. - Harbouring and Assisting of Evil-doers. (1) Whoever, apart from the cases of accomplices punishable under the provisions thereto (Art. 37): a) knowingly, p.nd not being under duress, harbours, comforts, assists or shelters evil-doers who are. members of bands or associations formed to commit crimes against the community, individuals or property, or provides a meeting place for such evil-doers,

is punishable with. simple imprisonment for not less than six months, and fine. b) knowing the existence, meeting places of such and not being compelled or otherwise, omits to authorities thereof, plans, whereabouts or gangs or associations, to do so by intimidation notify the competent

is punishable with simple imprisonment and fine.

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280 Criminal Code (2) Simple imprisonment shall be for not less than one year where the band is (jangerous, or where the harbouring and comforting are habitual.

(3) Whoever, . apart from the cases punishable for

complicity under the provisions of this Code (Art. 37), by any means, directly or indirectly collects, money or any other property, or provides or otters such property to a criminal, knowing that the property is to be used in full or in part: (a) for the commission of the crime indicated under Article 262(1) or (2), Article 451 (2) or (3), Article 499 (2), or.Article 585 (3), or (b) for committing any other act intended to cause death or serious bodily injury to a civilian or any other person not taking an active part in the hostilities or to cause serious damage to property in a situation of armed conflict, where the purpose of such act is to intimidate a population or to compel a government or an international organization to do or abstain from doing an act; is punishable, whether the property is actually put in use or not, with rigorous imprisonment from five years to ten years. (4) Whoever, apart from the cases punishable for complicity under the provisions of this Code (Art. 37) makes any contribution for the commission of a crime indicated under the provisions of Article 262 (1) or (2), Article 481 (2) or (3), Article 499(2),or Article 585(3) or sub-article (3) of this Article bya group, or for implementing the illegal aim of a group, ~r recruits other persons for the commission of the same crime mentioned above, or provides any other support including weapons, fraudulent travel documents or identity cards knowing that such support is to be used for the commission of one of these crimes,

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Criminal Code 281

is punishable with the p~na.lty indicated under sub-article (3) of tRis Article. ' Article 480.. Public Provocation to or Defence of a Crime.

Whoever publicly, by word of mouth, writing, image, gesture or otherwise: a) provokes others to qommit acts of violence or
.

or property; or.. . b) def~ndsor praises such crime or its perpetrator; or c) launches an.appealor starts a collection for the payment .of pecuniary punishments pronounced by. due process of law, with the intention of making common cause with the convicted perscm or of upholding his deed, or who knowingly takes part in such activities, is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine.

grave crim~$ aga.inst the community, individuals

Arti(:le 481.-

Prohibited Traffic in Arms.

(1) Whoever, apart from crimes against the security of

.

the State (Art. 256):

a) makes, imports, exports or transports, acquires, receives, stores or hides, offers for sale, puts into circulation or distributes, without special authorization or contrary to law, weapons, explosives or munitions of any kind, with the intent of trafficking; or b) without indulging in trafficking, knowingly sells, delivers or hands over arms to suspect or dangerous persons,

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282 Criminal Code

is punishable with. fine and rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years, or, in serious cases, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years, without prejudice to confiscation of th'e specified !T1aterials. (2) In cases where, the crime committed involves: possessing, receiving, using, altering,. transferring, distributing, disposing of, stealing or fraudulently obtaining a nuclear material which endangers or which is likely to endanger the life, body or property of persons or nCituralresources .or the environment; or commi~ing anact,throug~ violence or threat, that constitutes demand f()r the material; or carrying out a threat to commit one of these acts;
the punishment shall.be rigorous imprisonment form .

five years to ten years.

(3

In cases where the crime is committed by manufacturing or assembling firearms, their parts and components or ammunition from parts. and components illicitly trafficked without securing a license or authorization from the competent authority of the state where the manufacture or assembly takes place or without making the firearms in accordance. with the law;

the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from five years to twelve years.
(4) Where the crime is committed for gain or where the criminal has made-a profession of such acts, he shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment from five years to fifteen years.

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-Criminal Code

283

(5) Nothing shall affect the application of laws issued concerning the making, carrying or use of weapons entailing penalties under petty offences (Art. 808 and 809).

Section

11.-

Crimes Calculated or Likely to Provoke Public Disturbances.

Article 482.- Forbidden Societies and Meetings..

(1) Whoever: a) knowingly takes part in a society, band, meeting or assembly forbidden, either generally or from time to time by law, by government or by the

competent authority; or

b) knowingly places houses, premises or land at the disposal of such a society, band, meetings or assemblies, whether for consideration or free of charge,:

is punishable with a ---fine not exceeding one

thousand Birr. (2) Ringleaders, organizers or commanders of the crime are punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding one year.

Article483.-

Secret Societies

and Armed. Bands.

Any person who i.s .invglyed in the Gommission of the crime defined under Article 479 by unlawful societies whose activities and meetings are secret, or by unlawful armed societies or bands established especially for military training or shooting, or -.ostensibly sporting in character,

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284

Criminal Code ,is punishable with simpteimprisonmentand"fine.

The pUflishmentto belmposed on the ringleaders, organizers or aotive members of such societf$s or bands shall be simple imprisonment for not less than six months, and fine not tess than one thousand Birr.

Article 484. ~ FQrbidden Assemblies.

(1)

Whoever, of his own free will, takes Part, on the public ~nways or, in Q pt.tbUc plooe,ln assemblies for-bi~Effl by taw,

is, punishabJewith
tt}:ousandEiifr.

fine .ootexceeding

two

(~)

Jii'it\fl~~~, ~niJ!ef$ or commanders of such erlme are punishable with sim~e' .imprisonment not .exo~i~ 'two~fS.

(~) An~M

~,
'~thr",~

w~, knowmgfy takes pan in an armed ~ pum~...with ,simpteimprisoomoot

to ~yeafS.

(4) Whefe the, crime Is commmed as $J)$CHiOOln sub~ afttde ($} ~, a ~~, af\org&NZef',a ~"f6f~ ~'f$M~'~camoow~s;

~~~whh$~
~~~~.

~ntfrom
'

one

~_~~'~OIr~.'an'

~~~~~h~e1!m!'.

~~.".."

~~m_$bdh&a

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Criminal Code

285

Article 485.-

Alarming the Public.

(1)

WhO'ever spreads alarm amO'ng the public:

a} by threat O'f' danger to the community, or to the life, health or property of individual&,especially that of invasion, assassinatton, fire, devastation or pillage; or
b) by deliberately

concerning
disturbances, cara:mity;

such

spreading false rumours happenings. O'r general or imminent catastrophe or

is punishable with sh'hple impri~onment not exceeding three yeats,. or fine. (2) h1<more serious c-a~es, likely to calJse, or having caused, serious disttJrb~s or disoroor, the punishment shaH be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding three years, s(J.bjecl.to the applica.tion, as appropriafe, of morEl ~vere specific provitionB. Inciting the Public through

ArticJe 486.RumO'urs.

Fa,fse

Whoever, apa.rt from crimes against the security of the

gt~te tArts. 240, 2~7 (,e} and 2Gf (a}): 3) sfaM O'Jspread& taJ.se turnouts, s.utpi~tls or false char~ a.~inst t~ GWettlffienf or the publi> authoriues or their activities,. toore-by dis.turbililQor 'l1f~amtng pubnc. opinion,or crea\ti~ . a danger o.f pubHc d~$tl1rbances;, or

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286 Criminal Code b) by whatever accLJsation or any other means foments dissension, arouses hatred,. or stirs up acts of violence or political, racial or religious disturbances, is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine, or, in serious cases,. with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding three years.

Article 487.-

Seditious Demonstrations.

Whoever: a) makes, utters, distributes or crie~.out seditious or threatening remarks or displays images or drawings of a seditious or threatening nature in any public place or meeting; or b) publicly incites or provokes others to disobey orders issued by a lawful authority or to disobey laws or regulations duly promulgated, is punishaqle with simple imprisonment exceeding six months, or fine not exceeding hundred Birr. not five

Article 488.-

Rioting.

(1) Whoever, of his own free will, takes part in an unlawful assembly in the course of which violence is done collectively to person or property, is punishable with simple exceeding one month, or fine. imprisonment not

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287

(2) The organizers, instigators or ringleaders are punishable with fine and with simple imprisonment for not less than six months, or, in grave cases, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years and fine. (3) All persons who have individually committed acts of violence against persons or property are punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding three years, where their act does not constitute a crime subject to more severe punishment under any other provision of this Code.

Article 489.-

Leniency; Submission.

Those who have taken part in a forbidden meeting, demonstration, unlawful assembly or collective intimidation, and who subsequently withdrew, either of their own accord or when called upon to do so by the authorities, without having themselves done violence or incited others to do so, may be exempted from punishment, after a reprimand or solemn warning for the future, as appropriate (Art. 122);

CHAPTER II CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC PEACE AND TRANQUILITY Article 490. Disturbances of Meetings or Assemblies. by word of mouth, by threats, violence or in any other way, unlawfully invades or hinders or disperses a meeting or any duly authorized by law,

(1) Whoever, force, or disturbs, assembly

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218 CIi~C04e. is punis~le with. 9~le impds(:)f1m{imthot &"c~tn9 ~x month&, Of fi~f1Ot El'xceedfng. one tOOu&andBirr, (2) Where .tJ:1e crime relaws te> a ~tLhQ or an assembty of a pubfcic: authOr1ty, to an offlciat board or comm~~M, ()rto 100 oonduQt ot ~NrotiOnSi pUIiHic: llootron3or any ~r la~tfl rJubffG at1ttvity, Whether

~tfiCt1d, admifi~s1ratWef e"~G"tiveor juOfcial, sim,pfe imprisonment ~" b! far not less than three months, and frrte sf1a'~ be for: not less thah five hundred Birr, (3) Where the crime IS comrrHfted by a band or tJy carrying Weapang or other rFi1t~m~tsi the pUhis.ttment shalf be rigorous, imprisonment not ~i~seven )i9DrliJ"

Attiofe 4tl1."'

Dt&WrDanoe& Pfe&u'tff1g Ci>mmiiied tn Ii ~ trre:sponstbuity,

flom ActS Df. Cufpat>,kt

Whoever i

being deliberately Or fhrowgh drimll1a;1 rWi~lienoe in a state> O'foempl6te irrespor\&tbmt')' eNe to drU~f\ihefr intQx~8iitQf tK any ~1i OiUte, dOffllntts, whife in SlJct1 a. 'tSite, an act nQrma~ry pYntmoo~e with f~f~nmenHG>T at f&iSt 000 year,
i'& If)yrt~(&

whtt froe or whfi simple

fmpri1soJ1,ffi&rit n&~&XGe~n 6OOy@ar,a~Fftn9 to the

~fee

d~'da~ef 6t grav[ty01th&aot oommiite~,

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OrimlF1al Article 482.OutrageQn

Code

@89

Religious Peace and Feeling.

Whoever pljblicly:

a) pr-events thest}lemnizatlofl of, Or disturbs or scoffs at, an authorized religiQusc~r-emonyor office; or b) profanes

a place;

imageerobject

used for religious

ceremonies, is pYr\isl1aple with tine nQt ex;~ding ~!wt.ho\)~and Birr, Qf \Mi~h ~imple imPfl~~nment nqt eXe.e~tRD two years.

Ar1.~~ 4".-

6u~ra,tJe on the R~p~se litf1df;)tlnity of the Dead.

Whoever: a) fiisJ4rCs ar prQfafleS a funeral ~~s~n

fI.l;f1SFalssrviee; (){

or

~) 'V~Q~~QI.~fa~
~N0A,~ffl-

.~. F,es~~t~e
~r ~~ ~ ti\~!

~ a ~d
fflOFMJ;m$fit,

0r~fa~~.~.,"
b:"~or~;&{
~1

~$0n,

~t~

~~.

0f'~.~~

a ~-~~e,;

Of a~~$

~ ~~.

or a"':y,art ~~,
~Jr~,.

0", ~~~

~Vlay W~ ~ .~~

or ~. r~f!r;I,S 0# .8 ~

~~~.w.~.~.~j~~t~.~~.

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290 Criminal Code

TITLE VII CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC SAFETY AND THE SECURITY OF COMMUNICATIONS
CHAPTEiR I AGAINST PUBLIC

CRIMES

SAFETY

Article 494. - Arson.

(1) Whoever maliciously or with the intention of causing danger of collective injury to persons or property, sets fire to his own property or to that of another whether it be building .or structures of any kind, crops or agricultural products, forests, timber or any other object,

is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years.

(2) Where the crime creates substantial danger, or where the risk of injury to persons or property is widespread, especially where public buildings or
. buildings

used by a public service, inhabited

houses or houses used for living in, contractors yards .or stock yards, stores of provisions or inflammable or explosive substances, forests, mines, oil wells or refii"ierie~ -ships, aircraft or any other obj~cts particularly susceptible to fire, are affected,

the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding fifteen years.

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Criminal Code

291

Article 495.-

Provocation of Natural Disaster.

Whoever maliciously causes a flood or submergence, a landslide, a fall of rock or earth, a collapse or any other like catastrophe, thereby deliberately creating a danger to person or property, is punishable under Article 494.

Article 496. - Damage to Installations or Protective Works.

Whoever maliciously damages or destroys electrical or hydraulic installations, or works providing protection against natural forces, especially culverts, dams, reservoirs, dykes, sluices gates or jetties, thereby deliberately creating a danger to person or property,
is punishable under Article 494.

Article 497. - Explosions. Whoever maliciously causes gas, oil, petrol, gunpowder, dynamite or any other similar dangerous substance to explode, thereby creating a danger to person or property,
is punishable under Article 494. Article 498.Crimes Resulting from Negligence.

Where the criminal has committed any of the crimes specified in Articles 494 to 497 negligently, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment or fine, according to the gravity of the crime.

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292 TheOQurt Or imina I Code shf.HIpass sentenGe Qf simple imf;)risGhment

where the Gdminai has gravely endangered persons or

prgperty,

Artlole 499.-

Danger caused by the LIse of Explosive, Inflammable or Poisonous Substances.

(1) Whoever, with intent to endanger public safety, knowingly exposes to danger the life, health, person or property of another, by means of explosives, of substances whioh are spontaneously oombustible or

highly inflammable' 61'of pOisOhOU'S ga.ses,

is punishable with rigorous imprisonment
.

not

exoeeding ten years.

Where the criminal has exposed property only to minor damage, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment for not less than six months. (2) The punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from five years to fifteen years in cases where the orime has been oommitted' by placing, disoharging or detona.finganexplosive or aninOendiary weapon, Whiohis'deslgned to oause or isoapabta of causing death or serious bodily injury or substantial damage to property through the release. or dissemination of biological agents Or toxin against a plaoe of publio use, a State ,r government facility, a public transportation' system or infrastructure' facility with the intent to oause deathQr serious bOdily injury or extensive destruction ofsuch place or system where sl,Jch ,destruction can.resl,Ilt or is likely to result in major economic loss.

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'OrifJIImalieoae

.293

(S'Whoevef, 'KflOWfn;tY ibfitWithdot'intent ttQendanger pubtlc~.endcmgersin1ike 'manner theme,

'person, 'l'Ieatth (jr ;prOperty 'Ofa'f'IOther, "is punishable

wfthStn1fjfe'jmpri$dnment. (4) Whoever, 'in 'the ;mannersJ'>ectfted~ndersub-artiCie (1), 'negligentlyendarters the life,per&dn, health or pt-opetity 'Of anOther, is :ptJnfsMaole with simple

imprisonment.

'

(5) tnles'S seriou'Sca'Sesundersub-articie (2) or (3), lhe Court mav sdbstitlJte for simple. imorisonment punlshmemofcompulsory ;Iabour, or impose a fine. ArtlcleSOO. '~Jllicit'Maf<ing, Acquisftion, Concealment TransportofExplosiw,tnflammable PoisonousSubstBnces. C'r or

(1) Whoeverl1lakesexplosives,incendiary or poisonous substances, ;kn()wingthat they are intended for

unlawful use, is punishable with' Simple Imprisonment for not less than six months, or, 'in'serious cases, with rigorousfmprisonment not exceeding ten years. (2) Whoever,knowinglhatanother wi~hestormike unlawful use of such substances'mentioned in subarticle (1), furnishes him with means or instructions for l1)akingthem,
,is ,punishable with simpleil1)pnsonment for not less than six months, o~, in serious cases, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding seven years.

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294

Criminal Code
(3) Whoever, knowing that they are intended for unlawful use, imports, acquires or procures explosive, incendiary or poisonous substances or the materials used in their manufacture, hands them over to or receives them from another, or stores, conceals or transports them whether for consideration or free of charge, is punishable with simple imprisonment for not less than six months, or, in serious cases, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years.

Article 501.- Culpable Infringement of Building Rules.

(1) Whoever, in supervising or carrying out the erection of a building or a demolition of any kind, infringes the rules laid down by law or disregards normal safety measures based on building practice and thereby endangers public safety or the life, health or person of others, or the safety of the property of another, is punishable with simple imprisonment for not less than three months, and fine.

(2) Where the crime is committed negligently, the punishment. shaU be simple imprisonment not exceeding one year, or fine.

Article 502. - Removal or Culpable Omission of Protective Apparatus or Devices. (1) Whoever intentionally:a) destroys, removes, damages, renders unserviceable or puts out of commission a device intended to prevent accidents in any undertaking, factory, mine or any other working; or

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295

b) omits to install any safety measures required by law or by the order of a competent authority and thereby endangers the safety of another, is punishable with simple imprisonment and fine. (2) Where the crime is committed negligently, the not five

punishment shall be simple imprisonment exceeding one year,. or fine not exceeding thousand Birr.

Article 503. -

Failure to Give Warning of Grave Public Danger.

Whoever, where it is possible for him to do so without risk to himself or others, fails to warn the competent authority or responsib.le departments, or fails to take the measures necessary to prevent or to put out a fire, an explosion, a flood' or any other accident likely to endanger life, health or property, is punisnable with simple imprisonment one year, or fine. not exceeding

Article 504.-

Reserved Cases.

Nothing in this Chapter shall affect the provisions regarding destruction o'r sabotage of installations serving the national. defence or sabotage of military installations (Arts. 247(a), 308, 309 and 327(a.

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Criminal COde

CHAPTER" ORIMES <AGAtNSTTHEFREEDO'M AND SECURITY OF COMMtJNfCATtONS ArtiCle 65.-Damage to Services

and <JflstatJations of

'Publiclntel'est. (1)WhoeverhitentionaUyprBveMts ,'dis1urb$orinterteres with the efficient working: a) ofapubHc service, or ora service operated in the publicirtterest, ofland or inla.ndwaterway, seBor air transport orcomrnunications, incfuding auxiliary repair, overhaul, maintenance or construction services; or b) . of installations, establishmeNts Qf services
intended either fdrpostal, telegraph and telephone communications or telecommunications in general, light, gas, power oTheat,

is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine, or, in senooscases, With rigorousimprisbhrnent not exceeding five years. (2) Where the crime is committed by a person having a legal or contractual obligation,andparncufanyWhere work or obligations have been suspended otherwise than as the resuft of force majeure or as provided by law or by agreement, the punish!Tlentshat! be simple imprisonment for not less than three months and flne, or, ingraveca.ses, with rigofoosimprlsonment not exceeding sevenyears.

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297

(3) Where the crlma 18 oommitted negligently; the punishment shall be trne not exoeeding one thousand Birr, or, in more serious cases, simple imprisonment notexceading six months. Artiole 506.-

Grave

Endangering

or

sabotage of
or

OomffuJnicatiOr1$

or 'Transport .

(1) Whoever

intentionally

paralyaes,sabotages

~~~~~~r~r~~~~~ :~~:~~i~k~~~~ue;inb; ~~~~'i~~~~i~ derail~nt; ashipwreok or any other -aeoident likely to endar1Qetthe person or property,espeoially: a) by da",aglng; dISPlaOi n9, destrOYihQor rendering
ul1$ervloeable bridges, dykes or jetties, . installati~ns, or oontl'ol, proteotion, signaling or transport\equipment, instruments or devices; or
.

b) by eraoting or setting up obstacles, or by engaging in dangerous works or activities on roads, railways; channels. or any other established lines of communication; or c) by giving false instructions; 8igM or signals; or d) by failing his duty or failing to carry out the
r

operating regulations,

ispunishablewnh

rigorous
.;

imprisonment

not

exceedi'ngfiveyears.

(2) Where the crime specified under sub~article (1) is committed negtigently, tHe punishment shall be simple imprisonment or fine.

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298 Criminal1Code (3) Rigorous imprisonment. shall not exceed ten years where, by his act, the criminal has knowingly: a) committed breach of a. contractual or professional obligation incumbent upon him; or b) endangered the life, person or health of others or created a risk of substantial material damage. (4) In case of negligent discharge of a specific professional or contractual duty, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment for not .Iess than one month. (5) Where the crime is committed by destroying or damaging air or navigation facilities or equipment or interferes with their operation, the result of which is likely to endanger the safety of the aircraft in flight or the ship in navigation, the criminal is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from fifteen years to twentyfive years. (6) Where the crime under sub-article (5) is committed negligently, the punishment shall be from five years to fifteen years of rigorous imprisonment.

Article 507. - Unlawful Seizure or Control of an Aircraft.

(1) Whoever, by violence or threats thereof or by any other form of intimidation, by deceit or by any other unlawful means intentionally seizes or exercises control of a fixed platform on a continental shelf or an aircraft in flight or landing in an airport or a ship on navigation or .harbouring on a port, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from fifteen to twenty-five years.

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(2) For the purpose of this and the following four Articles: a) "an aircraft in service" refers to the period starting from the time of the preflight preparation of the aircraft by ground personnel or by the crew for a specific flight until twenty~four hours after any landing; but it shall not, in any event, be less than the entire period during which the aircraft is in flight as defined in sub-article (1) of this Article. b) "an aircraft in flight" refers to the period from the moment when all the external doors of an aircraft are closed following embarkation until the moment when any such door is opened for disembarkation; and includes, in case of forced landing, the time until the aircraft as well as the persons and property on board are released.
Article 508.Endangering Fixed Platform on a Continental Shelf or an Aircraft or a Ship.

(1) Whoever intentionally and unlawfully performs an act of violence against a person in a fixed platform on a continental shelf or an aircraft in flight or landing in an airport or a ship on navigation or harbouring on a port, which act is likely to endanger the safety of the platform, the aircraft or the ship, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from fifteen years to twenty-five years. (2) Whoever negligently performs an act of violence against a person in a fixed platform on a continental shelf or in an aircraft in flight or landing in an airport or a ship on navigation or harbouring on a port, which act is likely to endanger the safety of the platform, the aircraft or the ship,

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300

Criminal Code is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from five years to fifteen years.

Article 509.

Damage to Fixed Platform,.n Ajrcraft or a

Ship. .

(1) Whoever intentionany and unlawfully destroys or damages a fixed platform on a continental shelf, an aircraft or ship, in service or an aircraft in flight or landing in an airport, a ship On -navigation or harbouring on a port, or causes damage to one of these objects, whi9h is capable of endangering the safety of flight or navigation,
,

is punishable with' rigorous imprisonmentfrom

fifteen years to twenty-five years. (2) Whoever negligently destroys or damages a fixed platform, on a continental.shelf, an aircraftor ship in service or an aircraft inffight or landing in an airport, a ship on navigation or ha.rbouring on a port, or cause.s damage to one of these objects, which is capable. of endangering'the safety of flight or

~vi~tion,
is purtishabJewith rig,orous imprisonment from fweyeal'$tO fifteen years.
A~cle
510..

Misuse ofSigna's,andAJarms.

(1) Whoever l1tiIicioosly or without good ca.use. and with thE! rnmntIDn of 'stopping ,or disturbing. communicatiOnS. giVes an;afa.rrr'f signafor sends out a',caJl'for"ljetp. ei1her.customary or agreed upon by inmtnafimatagreement. sets off 'a 'warning or safety <', deviC'e,or makes improper use of the telecommunicatiOn da~er can.

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Crtminat Code

301 and fine.

is punishab1ewith simple .imp(~ent (2)

Where the crIme is committed by communicating tnforroatiooknpwn m betatsE!. thereby endangetfng the sa1etyof an aircraft in lIight or the safe navigation ,of a ship, the punishment shat! be from tjfteenyears to twenty..fi\Jeyears of rigoro.US:.
Impri$Omment.

(3) Where the act un<1er stlb-amcl9(2) .is. 'committed negligently, the punishment sha" be rigorous imprisoomentfrom five 'YE'arstofifteen y~rs. ArticleS11 ;-UnfawfulConsign",ent ofOangeroosGoods.

(t)Whoever, with ,intent to cause danger, puts or causes to be put, consigns or causes to be cOn$igned, substances. which Bre inflammable, explosive or directly,poisonous, c()rrpsiveor harmful on contact or by reas@" of their emanations, or goes on'board'with 'sllchsubStances, onapublic transport on land,seaorair,
IS punishable with rigorous imprisonment
'

from

five yearsJofifteen,years.

(2) Whoever lntentionaUy.places or causes to be olaced on a fixed platform on the continental shelf or on an aircraft or a ship, by any means whatsoever, a device or a substance which is likelyto: a) endanger the safety of the fixed platform; b) 'destroy the .aircraftin servioa or 'renqerit incapabte. otfltgtrtorenda~ its safety in flight;or

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302

Criminal Code
c) destroy the ship or cause damage to it or its cargo or endanger its safety in navigation; is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from five years to fifteen years.

(3) Whoever, contrary to the regulations and directions issued to ensure the safety of traffic, but without intent to endanger or injure, commits anyone of the acts specified under sub-article.(1)',
is punishable with rigorous exceeding seven years. ~mprisonment not

(4) Any person who has been entrusted with the prevention and control of crimes against public transport on land, sea or air, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years, where substances which are capable of endangering such transportation or their establishments are found loaded or consigned as a result of his failure to discharge his duty. (5) Where the act under sub-article (2) is committed negligently, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from five years to fifteen years. Article 512. -

Grave Cases.

(1) Where the intentional commission of any of the crimes specified under Articles 505 to 511 has caused loss of life, injury to body or impairment of health,

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303

ihe punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from ten years to twenty-five years, or, in more serious cases, with rigorous imprisonment for life or death.

(2) Where the crime is committed. negligently, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from five years to fifteen years.
Article 513.Participation of a Juridical Person in a Crime.

Any juridical person which participates in the commission of one o"f the crimes in this Chapter as provided in Article 34 shall be punishable in. accordance with Article 90 of this Code.

TITLE VIII CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC HEALTH

INFRINGEMENT CHAPTER I OF THE GENERAL PROTECTIVE PROVISIONS

Section 1.- Crimes Committed by Spreading Diseases and Polluting the. Environment Article 514. - Spreading of Human Disea~es.

(1) Whoever intentionally spreads communicable human disease, is punishable with exceeding ten years.

or transmits

rigorous imprisonment

not

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304

~_coae
~~, ~i$ tHe'otfrAtnal:

a) 'l1a$'sprMdortmnsmfftedadfsease Which can 'Q8tI~ .sraveinjory or ,death,oLftOt hatrooor .e.oVy, withmallce<)r Witha baSElmoti\le; or b' without even ;fhe partiCtJlar :intern '$pecifjed in
". '1ransmftteCl a' disease injury or death; or

sUb~artiCJ~(a) of this. Article.has spread Or

'which~n calise grave

c) hastransrnitted an epidemic,

.
not with

,the punishmentshallberigorOI:J$imprisonment exceeding twenty years, or in grave 'cases, rigorousimprisonmelitfor Ufeor death.

{3) Where the crime is committed negligently, the punishment shall be sit11pfe imprisonment or fine. Article 515. .. Spreading of AnirnatDiseases. (1YWhoeverlittentlonallyspreads an animal disease among dQmestic animals or poultry, bees, game, fish or. wild,a.nimalsfnespecies of,' which are
proteCfedby I,etw,.
,". ..:" .

is punlsha.blewith srmple imprisonment or fine.

-..'

(2'

Where the criminal: a) has acted malick')\Js!y; or b) has intentionally caused substantial damage,
.

the punishment shall be simple imprisonment for not less than three months.

'

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Oriminal Gode

305

(@) Where the crime is committed negligently, the punishmeht shall be simple Imprisonment not excseding.six mbhthsor fine,

Article 516."

Propagation Parasit@,

of an Agricultural or Forest
a

Whoever, intentionally or by negligence, propagates pa.rasite or gefmharmful to agricultura.l or forest crGps, is punishable under Article 515 above;

Article 517.- Contamination of Water.

(1) Whoever intentionally contaminates by means of substances harmful to health drihkingwater serving the needs of man or animals;
is punishable, according to the oireumstances and the extent of the damage, with fine or simple imprisonment for not less than one month, or, in more serious oases, with rigorolJs imprisonment not exoeeding seven years;

(2) In caMs of intentional poisoning of wells or cisterns; springs, water holes, rivers orJakes,
tha.punishmenJ

exceeding
fifteen years.

shall b.e rigorQu8 imprisonment .

not

(3) Where the crime under sub-article (1) or (2) above is oommitted negligently, it is punishable with simple Imprisonment,. or, If less serious, with fine.

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306 Criminal Code.
of Pastureland.

Article 518. ;. Contamination

(1) Whoever intentionally contaminates pastureland or fields with poisonous or harmful substances so as to endanger the life or health of animals, is punishable with fine or simple imprisonment, or, in serious cases, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding seven years. (2) Where the crime is committed negligently, punishment shall be simple imprisonment exceeding. six months, or fine. the not

Article 519. ~1)

Environmental

Pollution.

Whoever, in breach of the relevant law, discharges pollutants into the environment, is punishable with fine not exceeding ten thousand Birr, or with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years. Where the .pollution has resulted in serious consequences on the health or life of persons or on the environment, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years.

(2)

(3) Where the act of the criminal has infringed a criminal provision entailing a more severe penalty, the provisions on concurrence of crimes shall apply. Article 520. - Mismanagement of Hazardous Wastes and other Materials. Whoever: a) fails to..rTlal1ag~hazardous wastes or materials in . accordance with the relevant laws; or

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307

b) fails to label hazardous wastes or materials; or c) unlawfully transfers hazardous wastes or materials, is punishable with fine not exceeding five thousand Birr, or rigorous imprisonment not exceeding three years, or with both.

Article 521.-

Acts Contrary Assessment.

to Environmental

Impact

authorization from the competent authority, implements a project"on which an environmental impact assessment is required by law, or makes false statements concerning such assessment, is punishable with simple imprisonment notexceeding one year.

Whoever, without obtaining

Article 522. - Infringement of Preventive and Protective Public Health Measures.

(1) Whoever intentionally
disregards the measures prescribed by law for the prevention, limit or arrest of a communicable human disease, is punishabl~ with .simple imprisonment not exceedil1g two years,' or fine.

(2) Where the crime is committed negligently, the punishment shall :be simple imprisonment not exceeding six months,. or fine not exceeding three thousand Birr.
(3) In cases of intentional infringement of rules for preventing, limiting or arresting the spread of an animal disease, pr of ag~icultural or forest parasites or germs, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment not exceeding one'year, or fine.

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308 (4) WM~r~;1ne 6riminaL6ede
Grime \.Jne,r \:!b~{\r:tie!~(a) i comrnittgd

'~~~li~~f1.t.!~\

t.R~, pIJAi.hmellt. ME\i~ pg" ilTlI::>,ri~0fVTIgnt Ilqt ~~C:E:)~ding three months, 'flot ex~eeiRfione thousand"fi3irF.

irnple
or fine

Article 523.-

6reation of Distress or Famine.

,/

(1) WnQeV~r im~nt.i.Qn@ny, d.i~c:t.!yor illqtrec\Iy,

creates

'A!!lt1.\n tl1~ Q.QI.mtryCl'gr1:!vg t,atE:)of lTIisery, wClnt or f~lTIiA@, ~pig~mi{8~f~P!?:<?ot~@~ea~ (i)faistress,

~~R~Q~ny q' ifflf:lf?W~f~ h!g!R~ QF .Moordin~, ,e tr~n p ~rt r ~I tfi~utio,n a e lr'(;) Y:i IRfJ O Jf ~ri~ ;' nJiRf! t.h ' ' Qf'JrC\~n,"f9~t\J,f.f.s pr' ,~~~i;!3iQn~, of Feffi6.d.ies o.r ,~ri),q\.J~\ R@~~~aw' \<:). tile Ufe orhef!t1h otman or domestic a"imais,
'~
'~ , ,

,'

'

,,

,,

,,

,, ,

'

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

eXQ~'f\9

~'p,~~'~~
~

Y4l41~~

'M~ r~~ ~~~,

i~sef\~f\t~t ~ibl, .~ ~Ii', or to

f2~ W~eves:;. ~n ~,~ ~t s~ ,

~ijjI e~~~~!"'~~l
~~. ~~~~

~~~~

~ ~~. ma;etJre,
~eA him.,
~~theoJ\~r, Gca,~, bl ~p~t

,~f .~~~.'~~tl~t

wt1,~~r 'a~, ~"~~~~"~~~" ~t:f,~r @Ji' ~~nt ~ kt,aRJi ~~

~, ~ .~ ~. ~~ ~,91" .~ '~'. .~. ~v~~~.~~~~..~tM"

~v~ ,~. ~w~~, ~. Wt.~. ~

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CrLmiJ\at QQQe
. .~..'.'" "" ~.

399.

Ad~fe5~... P.~j~...

~ .JfJ,~A P.rr~~
"

A juridical person WhiGh paruGFpates

in thts' ~$Gt/Qfl;.~t be p;UbtI&~,. Artl~fi&; 00 cA~ C~.

j;f:"j;

000 of fbe Grimes

Wi~h

iF!cwOOt~~

Section H.- CdmesCQmnutteo f~tQ. p:/(~II.h and Df,stdb"dion ollubStaneis' Haa".U$ iQ.Huft1:8rt and Anima' Health

Att~

~&..

fiJf~oin9j

Makfq~ f~a1ffe"Fnt~n) Qr UStt19

PoiSOnous tjj H"e"U. ariO PsYi~it$pie Substances. (1' W~v&r,

inwnt~ t'aff~Fii;

WibJ~i p~iaJ

auiMtizafln arID Wi~ the "lirnriEJtms or (jf ~~i'Gpt~ t'l~ngi stores' ,

a) pfant&, pr~ee

Of ~~f m~"tjf~tttr~ p'6~,natG~ pJliNl! m ~,~; Qf

~, ~$e&1

tJootf, ~ 1M9u~ii~

D'~rs,

imps;11i, ~~n.. pufQftaHs, cm~Si

<W~, GH,t~utEJi'Of ~ti ~i&win''', afvi'; f eI' ~~

f@'"'.,.. d~itJY~i
fflj~ ~ ~
(jf

6m sf

0) mak., fJtj&s&8SeS i~

~~=~ =~,~~;~tjrij
fW tJOOewNt ow~ffri"

dl ftJ'n~,

t..

ar ~fflHII'~UH{I1fIffi~e()t
fJt ~JMt, Illf N

m8~1 O\7ffl~~i fH~kM iff dI'V"~H 61 gne Offfle 1Ifils.fa~ 1~,rJ ii~'t

of Ga'

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310 Criminal Code is punishable with rigorous imprisonment for not less than five years, and fine not exceeding one hundred thousand Birr. (2) The punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment for not less than ten years, and fine not exceeding two hundred thousand Birr: a) where the crime is committed by a member of a band or association organized nationally or internationally forthe trafficking in such substances or committing crimes, or by a person who makes a profession of such unlawful activity; or b) where the criminal, for gain, with'base motive or for any other improper motive, knowingly furnishes the forbidden substances; or permits access to his premises for the taking of such substances; or where the user is an infant or a young person or a mentally deficient person or a drug addict; or c) where the criminal employs children or a person with mental illness as a means for the commission of the crime; or d) where the crime is committed in prisons, in schools, on the premises of institutions for social service, or in places where children or young students engage in educational, sporting or other social activities; or e) where the criminal has been previously convicted for a similar crime. (3) Whoever possesses, transports, stores or hands over poisonous or narcotic or psychotropic drugs or plants, which he knows to have been procured through or intended for the commission of one of the crimes specified in sub~article (1) or (2) of this Article, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment for not less than five years, and fine not exceeding one hundred thousand Birr.

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311

(4) Whoever: a) plants, buys, receives, makes, possesses, sells or delivers one of the substances mentioned in subarticle (1) above, to be privately used by himself or another; or b) uses or causes to be used one of these substances without medical prescription or in any other unlawful manner, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding seven years, and fine not exceeding fifty thousand Birr. (5) Any person who, intending to use' narcotic or psychotropic substances for unlawful purposes, fraudulently causes a medical practitioner to give him a medical prescription, or transfers a prescription obtained lawfully or unlawfully to an unauthorized third person, or any medical practitioner who intentionally makes out an unlawful prescription for narcotic or psychotropic substances, is punishable with. rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years, and fine.

(6) Nothing shall affect the provisions of this Code relating to seizure of dangerous articles (Art. 140) and the commission and aiding in money laundering (Art. 684). Article 526.(1) Doping. Whoever intentionally: a) produces, imports, sells, keeps professionally or distributes harmful manufactured substances prohibited by law, which help to achieve physical and psychological superiority in sports by temporarily boosting the physical fitness acquired by nature and through training; or

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312

Criminal Code b) makeS use of or causes to be used unlawfully the substances mentioned in (a) above, is punishable with simple imprisonment or Jine, or, where the act has caused. gn!we injury, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years. (2) Whoever, with intent to employ a legally authorized drug for the purpose specified in sub-article (1), prescribes, gives or makes use of It improperly or
outside the purpose for which it has been made,

Is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine,

(3) Where one of the acts specified In sub-article (1) or (2) above is committed negligently, the
punishment shan be simple Imprisonment not exceeding three.months, or fine.not exceeding five thousand Birr,. Articl. 521... Manufacture, Adulteration tnJuri.ou8 or Da~ Foodstuffs. and Sale of Products or

(1) WhoeWr IntenionaUy~

a)manut'aoWr.food, provt&~f foodstuffs or products unfit for hu'mal1 oonsumptf<}n or goods

b) 910,..,offers fors., S){I'O*, ;mports, receives

which contain injurious. or ~ ingredlems, or who adu.terates foOdor goods In such a. way a&to endanger pubUchealth: or

or dl8lbuw IJUCh mjU1rroUt> producfs, 18 punishable with .f$Onment for not teu.hJn ~ix monih&,Of, In sooous cases" wrth

~-

~s ImprisdnfMfiifor not ~than . and flM.

fiveyears,

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313

(2) The punishment shall be rigorous imPrisonment for not less than seven years, where thecrimina1: a) has special duties .of supervision or control in an undertaking of public interest. betonging to the State,orfetout to concession by-the State; or b) detfberatetymanufactures,adtttterates, sells or distributes remedies,. medicaments; dietetic products or tonics, not poisonous in themselves and procumble without aprescript,ion, the defective manufacture or adulteration of which . can havedaogerous effacts.
.

(3) Where theCfflne tscommitted negligently, the

punishment sha1l be simpleimprtsonment exceeding six months, or fine. not

Article 528.~ Manufacture, Adulteration and Sale of Fodder andPfoducts~tol~. (1) .Who&ver~: a) adufterates.fodder or naturaffeeding stuffs. or

manufadures
Of .

for.

or other
or lie;

products,intend8dfor ..~'a~, thereby 'endangering the fale(s.heaIh

b} impons,exports. stores. seI$. ~ fors. or ~ such injurious.fodder or other

feeding". is pu~ wiiIh simple~mam
"

fine.
~Iy, the

(2)

WIJefe .11e C!fme f6 COI~

puI!\W:tI shall 00 '8impte ~.

nxof,

~bee~.".

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314

Criminal Code

Article 529. - Aggravating Circumstances.

The maximum punishment of deprivation of liberty provided for in the preceding Articles (Art. 527 and 528) shall be pronounced, and the fine may be increased up to two hundred thousand Birr, where the criminal makes a profession of such crimes (Art. 90), or where his felonious activities relate to large quantities of goods, and where the damage caused is substantial.

Article 530.- Participation of a Juridical Person.

,

Any juridical person which participates in one of the crimes specified in Articles 525 to 529, shall be punishable in accordance with Article 90 of this Code.

Article 531.- Endangering the Health of Another by Alcoholic Beverages or Spirituous Liquors.
(1) Whoever endangers the health of another, intentionally and unscrupulously, by administering or serving, or by causing or permitting to be administered or served, to minors or to persons already manifestly suffering from excessive consl,.imption thereof, alcoholic beverages or spirituous liquors of such kind or in such quantity as to make their injurious effect certain or probable, is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding one year, and fine.
(2) Where the crime is committed repeatedly, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment for not less than six months, without prejudice to prohibition of professional practice.

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Criminal Code (3) Where the crime is committed negligently, punishment shall be simple imprisonment exceeding three months.

315
the not

Article 532.-

Endangering by Mental Means or Practices.

Whoever intentionally endangers the health of another by inducing in him a state of hypnosis, trance or catelepsy, or any other change or suspension of his conscious faculties , is punishabfeunder Article 531.

Article 533.-

Endangering Means.

by Philtres,

Spells or Similar

Whoever, knowing the danger which they imply, prepares, gives, sells distributes or administers to another a potion, powder, philtre or any other product or ingredient susceptible of impairing his health, is punishable under Article 531.

Article 534.- AggravatedCases. (1) Where the criminal makes a profession of the practices defined in Articles 532 and 533, he is punishable with simple imprisonment for not less than one year, and fine. (2)
Where the crime is committed against the will of .

the victim, the special provision regarding deprivation of powers of decision (Art. 583) shall be applied concurrently.

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316 Criminal Code

INFRINGEMENTS

CHAPTER II OF CURATIVE AND PROTECTIVE PROVISIONS

Article 535. -

Unlawful Exercise of the Medical or PublicHealth Professions.

(1) Whoever, having neither the. professional qualifications prescribed ,and controlled by the competent authority nor the authprization to set up in offidal practice required. under the relevant regulations or by exceeding his authorization, makes a practice of treating sick persons in no matter wha,t form, Or does sa for remuneh:ition, .whether it be by consultations, treatment, the sale of remedies or any . other ,medical or cur('j.tive activity or practic~, is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding, oqe year, or. with rigorou,s. imprisonment not exceeding five years and fine. (2) A person who treats live-stock under the circumstances provided in sub-article (1) above, is . punishable with. simple imprisonment or fine. (3) Whoevermanufaetures,
distributes

or puts

on

offers for use drugs

sale, sells, or medical

instruments:

a.) the safety, efficacy ,and quality of which is not as,cedained .a.nd duly. authorized by the appropriate organ; or

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317

b) which are counterfeited or adulterated; or which have misleading labels written on, affixed to or enclosed with, their packaging; or c) that have expired; or d) which are prohibited, spoiled, faked, contaminated or, for any other reason, ascertained to be harmful to the health of the person using them, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment for not less than five years, and fine from twenty thousand to fifty thousand Birr. (4) Casual advice, aid or services rendered in cases of urgency or in an emergency, or .out of kindness or devotion and free of charge, or the delivery in such conditions of proven and innocuous natural or traditional remedies, are not punishable. (5) Nothing in this Article shall prevent the practice of a system of therapeutics according to indigenous methods by persons recognized by the local community to which they belong, to be duly trained in such practice, provided that no such person shall be authorized to practice except amongst the local community to which he belongs and in such a manner as is neither dangerous nor injurious to the person, health or life. Article 536. Unlawful Delivery of Poisonous or Dangerous Substances. Any doctor, pharmacist, dentist, veterinary surgeon or nurse, or any other person authorized to give medical care with the help of poisonous, narcotic or psychotropic substances or substances entailing grave danger to health, or to keep or sell such substances, who makes use of them or delivers them to the public without special authority and apart from the cases permitted in normal curative practice,

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318 Criminal Code is punishable with simple imprisonment for not less than three years and fine, or, in serious cases, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding seven years and fine. Where the criminal has committed the crime for gain, he shall be punishable with fine not exceeding one hundred thousand Birr.

Article 537.-

Refusal to Provide Medical Assistance.

(1) Any doctor, pharmacist, dentist; veterinary surgeon, midwife or nurse, or any other person lawfully entitled to render professional attention and care, who, contrary to his duty and without just cause, refuses to provide his services in a case of serious need, whether from indifference, selfishness, cupidity, hatred or contempt or any other similar motive, is punishable with fine, or, where the crime is repeated, with simple imprisonment not exceeding six months.

(2) Nothing shall affect the more severe provision (Art.

575(2)) punishing failure to lend aid to a person in grave and imminent peril of his life, person or health.

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319

BOOK V CRIMES AGAINST INDIVIDUALS AND THE FAMILY TITLE I CRIMES AGAINST LIFE, PERSON AND HEALTH
CHAPTER I CRIMES AGAINST LIFE
Section 1.-

Homicide and its Forms

Article 538. - Principle. (1) Whoever causes the death of a human being intentionally or by negligence, no matter what the weapon or means used, commits homicide. (2) The punishment to be imposed upon the person who is guilty of intentional or negligent homicide shall be determined according to the following provisions depending on whether the homicide is simple or aggravated. (3) Any person who committed homicide, whether intentionally or negligently, shall be punished by lawful judicial process and in accordance with decisions rendered thereby.

Article 539.- Aggravated Homicide.

(1) Whoever intentionally commits homicide: a) with sLlch premeditation, motive, weapon or means, in such conditions of commission, or in any other aggravating circumstance, whether general (Art. 84) or other circumstances duly established (Art. 86), as to show that he is exceptionally cruel, abominable or dangerous; or

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320 Criminal Code b) as a member of a band organized for carrying out homicide or armed robbery; or c) to further another crime or to conceal a crime already committed, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment for life, or death. (2) Death sentence shall be passed where the criminal has committed homicide in the circumstances specified under sub-article (1) above while serving a sentence of rigorous imprisonment for life.

Article 540.- Ordinary Homicide. Whoever' intentionally commits homicide neither in aggravating circumstances as in Article 539, nor in extenuating circumstances as in Article 541, is punishable with rigorous years to twenty years. imprisonment from five

Article 541.- Extenuated Homicide. Whoever intentionally commits homicide: a) by exceeding the limits of necessity (Art. 75), or of legitimate defence (Art. 78); or b) following gross provocation, under the shock of surprise or under the influence of violent emotion or intense passion made understandable and in some degree excusable by the circumstances,

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Criminal Code
.

321 not

is punishable
exceeding five Years.

with ~imple imprisonment

Article 542.- In$tigating or Aiding another Suicide.

to commit

(1) Whoeyerinstigates another to commit suicide,...or aids . him to do so, is plJnishable. wUh simple imprisonment where the suicide is (ittempted, and with .rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years where it is consUmmated.

(2) Where the Person who.has been instigated orc-aided to commit suicide had not attained the age of majority, or had no capacity because of mental.iUnessor-senUity, the punishment to be imposed upon the instigator or (issist(intshall be rigorous ;imprisonment not exceeding five years, where the suicide is attempted, and rigorous imprisonment not exceedir;tg ten years,. where it is consummated.

Article 543.-

Homi.cide by Negligence. deaJh of another in

(1) WhoeYeJ,'.neglj~ntlyc(iUsesthe

qirct,JfT;\$tances... other t/:1ao toos.e specified ;in 'sub-article (2)anct (3) Of this Article,

is punishable with simple impds.oJ1rnentfrom six month$ tOJhfe.e Y~ars', or withfiDefJorn two.. tho4sandto tQur thous.and . " '. Bin:.
: (~);. W~!'e tbepe.9ijg:ent noJtTlIQj~.

iseommitt~ ~~. a ~JiSOn,

s~~h as a

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322

Criminal Code doctor or driver, who has'a professional or other duty to protectthe fife, healthor safetyof another, '
the punishment shall be simple imprisonment from one year tofive years and fine from three thousand to six thousand Birr.
(3) The punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from five year to fifteen years and fine from ten thousand to fifteen thousand Birr where the criminal has negligently caused the death of two or more persons or where he has deliberately infringed express rules and regulations disregarding that such consequences may follow or even where he has put himself' in a state of irresponsibility by taking drugs or alcohol.

Article 544. .'Infanticlde.

(1) A mother who intentionally kills her infant while she is in labour or while still suffering from the direct effect thereof, is punishable, according to the drcumstances of the case, with simple imprisonment. Where the crime is attempted, the Court shall mitigate the punishment (Art. 180) if no injury has been

doneto the infant.

(2) A, mother

"

who kitts her child, either intentionally or by

negligence, in circumstances other than those specified under sub-article (1) of this Article shall be tried according to the relevant provisions of this Code regarding homicide. (3) Another person, being a principal, an instigator or an accomplice in the crime committed under sub-artiCle (1) of this Article, is excluded from the benefits of ,extenuation, and is punishable under the general provisions relating to. ,homicide, according to the circumstances and the degree of his guilt.

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323

Section.- II Crimes against Life Unborn; Abortion Article 545. - Principle.

(1) The intentional termination of a pregnancy, at whatever stage or however effected, is punishable according to the. following provisions, except as otherwise provided under Article 551. (2) The nature and extent of the punishment given for intentional abortion shall be determined according to whether it is procured by the pregnant woman herself or by another, and in the latter case according to whether or not the pregnant woman gave her consent.

Article 546. - Abortion Procured by the Pregnant Woman.

(1) A pregnant woman who intentionally procures her own abortion is punishable with simple

imprisonment.
(2)

Any other person who procured for her the means of, or aids her in the abortion, shall be punishable as a principal criminal or an accomplice, with simple imprisonment.

Article 547. - Abortion Procured by Another.

(1) Whoever contrary to the law performs an abortion on another, or assists in the commission of the crime, is punishable with simple imprisonment. (2) Rigorous imprisonment shall be from three years to ten years, where the intervention was effected against the will of the pregnant woman, or where she was incapable of giving her consent, or where such consent was extorted by threat, coercion or deceit,

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324
Criminal Code or where she was incapable significance of her actions. of realizing the

(3) A pregnant woman who consents to an act of abortion except as is etherwise permitted by law, is punishable with simple imprisonment.

Article 548. - Aggravated Cases.

Where abortion is performed apart from the circumstances provided by law the punishment shall be aggravated as follows: (1)in cases where the criminal has acted for gain, or made a profession of abortion (Art. 92), he is punishable with fine in addition to the penalties prescribed in Article 547 above; (2) in cases where the crime is committed by a person who has no proper medical profession, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment for not less than one year, and fine; (3) in cases where the crime is committed by a professional, in particular, by a doctor, pharmacist, midwife, or nurse practising his profession, the Court shall, in addition to simple imprisonment and fine, order prohibition of practice, either for a limited period, or, where the crime is repeatedly committed, .

for life (Art. 123).

Article 549.'" Attempt to Procure an Abortion on a NonPregnant Woman.

The general provisions relating to crimes impossible of completion (Art. 29)shall apply in the case of attempt to procure an abortion on a woman wrongly supposed to be pregnant.

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Criminal Code
Article 550.

325

-Extenuating

Circumstances.

SUbject to the provision of Article 551 below, the Court shall mitigate the punishment under Article 180, where the pregnancy has been terminated on account of an extreme' poverty.

Article 551. - Cases

where Terminating Pregnancy is

Allowed by Law.
(1) Termination of pregnancy by a recognized medical institution within the period permitted by t)1e profession is not punishable where: a) the pregnancy is the result of rape or incest; or b) the continuance of the pregnancy endangers the life of the mother or the child or the health of the mother or where the birth of the child is a risk to the life or health of the mother; or c) where the child has an incurable and serious deformity; or d) where the pregnant woman, owing to a .physical or mental deficiency sl1e suffers from or her minority, is physically as well as mentally unfit to bring up the child. (2) In the case of grave and imminent danger which can be averted only by an immediate intervention, an act of terminating pregnancy in accordance with the provision of Article 75 of this Code is not punishable.

Article 552. -Procedure of Terminating Pregnancy and the Penalty of Violating the Procedure.
(1) The Ministry of Health shall shortly issue a directive whereby pregnancy may be terminated under the conditions specified in Article 551 above,in a manner which does not affect the interest of pregnant women.

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(2) In the case of terminating pregnancy in accordance with sub-article (1) (a) of Article 551 the mere statement by the woman is adequate to prove that her pregnancy is the result of rape or incest. (3) Any person who violated the directive m~ntioned in subarticle (1) above, is punishable with fine not exceeding one thousand Birr, or simple imprisonment not exceeding three months.

CHAPTER II CRIMES AGAINST PERSON AND HEALTH

Article 553. - Principle.

(1) Whoever intentionally or by negligence causes bodily injury to another or impairs his health, by whatever means or in any manner, is punishable in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter. These provisions embrace all' manner of bodily assaults, blows, wounds, maiming, injuries or harm, and all damage to the physical or mental health of an individual. Compensation to the injured party is determined by the Court in light of the gravity of the injury and the position of the parties, in accordance with the general provisions of this Code ( Art. 101).

(2)

Article 554.- Expert

Cases.
,

Assessment

In Case. of Doubtful

Where there is doubt as to the nature of a case, its

consequences or its gravity, the Court may call for an expert forensic medical assessment to assist in deciding the case.

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327

Whoever intentionally: a) wounds a person so as to endanger his life or to permanently jeopardize his physical or mental health; or b) maims his body or one of his essential limbs or organs, or disables them, or gravely and conspicuously disfigures him; or c) in any other way inflicts upon another an injury or disease of a serious nature,

is punishable, according to the circumstances of the case and the gravity of the injury, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding fifteen years, or with simple imprisonment for not less than one year. Article 556. - Common Wilful Injury. (1) Whoever causes another to suffer an injury to body or health other than those specified in Article 555 above, is punishable, upon complaint, with simple imprisonment not exceeding one year, or with fine. (2) The crime is punishable, upon accusation, with simple imprisonment from six months to three years where: a) the criminal has used poison, a lethal weapon or any other instrument capable of in~icting injuries; or b) the criminal has inflicted the injuries in breach of a duty, professional or other; or c) the victim is weak, sick or incapable of defending himself.

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Article 557. - Extenuating Cir.cumstances.

(1) Whoever intentionally does injury to the person or health of another: a) by exceeding the .limits of necessity (Art. 75), or legitimate defence (Art. 78); or b) following gross provocation, or under the shock or influence of a surprise, an emotion or a passion made understandable and in some degree excusable by the circumstances; or c) at the request or with the consent of the victim who is capable of realizing his action and its consequences, where the injurY is forbidden by law or offends public decency,
is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding two years, or fine not exceeding four thousand Birr. (2) In the case provided for in sub-article (1)(c), simple imprisonment shall not exceed four years where the victim, due to age, mental or other conditions, was partially or completely incapable of realizing the consequences of his request or consent.

Article 558.- Consequences

not Intended by the Criminal.

Whoever has caused grave injury through criminal negligence, although his intention was to inflict common injury, is punishable with simple imprisonment from six months to three years.

Article 559. - Injuries Caused by Negligence.

(1) Whoever, by criminal negligence, causes another to suffer common injury to person or to health,

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is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding six months, or fine not exceeding one thousand Birr. (2) The punishment shall be simple imprisonment for not less than six months, and a fine of not less than one thousand Birr, where the injury inflicted is of the same .kindas the one stated in Article 555, or where it was caused by a person like a doctor or driver, who had a special duty to safeguard the body or health of another. (3) The crime is punishable upon accusation, where the injury is grave, and upon complaint,. where it is common. The extent of the injury shall be determined in accordance with Articles 555 and 556. Article (1)

560. - Assaults.
Whoever assaults another or does him violence without causing bodily injury or impairment of health, is punishable, upon complaint, with a fine not exceeding ,three hundred 8jrr, or, in serious cases, with simple imprisonment not exceeding three months. Simple bruises, swellings or transient aches and pains are not held to be injuries to person or health.

(2) Minor crimes that do not come under sub-article (1) of this Article are punishable in accordance with the provision of Article 840 of the Code of Petty Offences. (3) Where the victim has returned assault for assault, the Court may refrain from inflicting any punishment other than a reprimand or warning for the future on either of the two or both parties.

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CHAPTER III CRIMES COMMITTED AGAINST LIFE, PERSON AND HEALTH THROUGH HARMFUL TRADITIONAL PRACTICES
Article 561.Endangering the Lives of Pregnant Women and Children through Harmful Traditional Practices. (1) Whoever causes the death ofa pregnant or a delivering woman or that of a newly born child as a result of the application of q harmful traditional practice such as: a) massaging the abdomen of a pregnant woman, or shaking a woman in a prolonged labour; or b) soiling the umbilical cord of a newly-born child with dung or other similar substances, keeping a newly-born child out of the sun or feeding it butter, excising the uvula of a child or taking out milk teeth or preventing the child from being vaccinated; or c) through the exercise of other traditional practices known by the medicalprofessibn to be harmful, is punishable with fine or simple imprisonment from three months to one year.

(2) Where the death was caused 'by . negligence, the

relevant provision of this Code(Art. 543) shall apply.

Article 562.- Causing Bodily Injury to Pregnant Women and Children Through Harmful Traditional Practices (1) Whoever causes bodily injury or mental impairment to a pregnant or delivering woman or to a newly-born child as a result of the application of a harmful traditional practice such as:

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a} massaging the abdomen of a pregnant woman, or shaking a woman in a prolonged labour; or b} soiling the umbilical cord of a newly-born child with dung or other similar substances, keeping a newly-born child out of the sun or feeding it butter, excising the uvula of a child or taking out milk teeth or preventing the child from being vaccinated; or c} through the exercise of other traditional practices known by the medical profession to be harmful, is punishable with fine or simple imprisonment not exceeding six months. (2) Where the injury to body, mind or health was caused by negligence, the relevant provision of this Code (Art. 559) shall apply.

Article 563.-

Discretion of the Court.

In respect of the crimes specified under Articles 561 and 562, the Court, taking into account the age, education, experience or social status of the criminal, may give him only a warning instead of fine or a penalty entailing loss of liberty.

Article 564.-

Violence Against a Marriage Partner or a Person Cohabiting in an Irregular Union.

The relevant provision of this Code (Arts. 555 - 560) shall apply to a person who,. by doing violence to a marriage partner ora person cohabiting in an irregular union, causes grave or common injury to his /her physical or mental health.

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332 Article 565.-; Criminal Code Female Circumcision.

Whgever circumcises a woman of any age, . less than three hundred Birr. Article 566..

is punishable with simple imprisonment for not

months,. or fine not less than five

Infibulation of the Female Genitalia.

(1) Whoever infibulates the genitalia of a woman, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from three years to five years. (2) Where injury to body or health has resulted due to the act prescribed in sub-article (1) above, subject to the provision of the Criminal Code which provides for a more severe penalty, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from five years to ten years. Article 567.Bodily Injuries Caused Through Other Harmful Traditional Practices. Whoever, apart from the circumstances specified in this Chapter, inflicts upon another bodily injury or mental impairment through a harmful traditional practice known for its inhumanity and ascertained to be harmful by the medical profession, shall, according to the circumstances of the case, be liable to one of the penalties prescribed under the provisions of Article 561 or Article 562 of this Code.

Article 568.- Transmission of Disease Through Harmful Traditional Practices. Where the victim has contracted a communicable disease as a result of one of the harmful traditional practices speCified in the above provisions, the penalties prescribed in this Code concerning the spread of communicable diseases shall apply concurrently.

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333

Participation in Harmful Traditional Practices.

A parent or any other person who participates in the commission of one of the crimes specified in this Chapter, is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding three months, or fine not exceeding five hundred Birr.
Article 570.~ Incitement Provisions Practices.

Against the Enforcement of Prohibiting Harmful Traditional

Any person who publicly or otherwise incites or provokes another to disregard the provisions of this Code prohibiting harmful traditional practices, or organizes a movement to promote such end, or takes part in such a movement, or subscribes to its schemes, is punishable with simple imprisonment for not less than three months, or fine not less than five hundred Birr, or both.

CHAPTER IV CRIMES ENDANGERING LIFE, PERSON OR HEALTH Article 571. ~ Exposure of the Life of Another. Whoever intentionally puts another in imminent danger of death, is punishable, according to the circumstances of the case, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding three years, or with simple imprisonment for not less than three months.

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Article 572.- Exposing to Danger through the Violation of Traffic Regulations. (1) Any driver or pedestrian who exposes to danger the life, body, health or property of another by negligently violating traffic regulations, is punishable with simple imprisonment from one month to three years, or fine not less than one hundred
Birr, .or both.

(2) Where the act has caused injury to the life, body, health or property of another, the relevant p'rovisions of this Code and those of the infringed traffic regulation shall apply conourrently. Article 573.Endangering the Human Body.

(1) Whoever, with intent to obtain money or other advantage: a) gives while alive his organ or a part of his body to another; or b) enters into a contract with another person or institution to give his organ or a part of his body after his death,
.

is punishablewithsimpleimprisonmentor fine.

(2) Whoever,

with intent to obtain money or other advantage, takes away an organ or a part of the body of another with the latter's consent, shall be punishable: a) with rigorous imprisonment from five years to ten years, where the act is committed while the victim is still alive; or b) with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years, where the act is committed after the death of the victim.

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(3) Whoever takes an organ or. part of. the body of another by coercion, fraud, trickery or without the consent of the person concerned, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from ten years to twenty-five years. (4) Whoever, apart from the cases specified in the above sub-articles, and contrary to law, regulations or rules, carries out scientific or medical examination, research or experiments ona person's body by coercing the person or without his consent or knowledge, or discloses or gives under any conditions to another person such information obtained in this manner, is punishable, according to the circumstances of the case, with simple imprisonment for not less than one year, or with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years. (5) Where a juridical person commits one of the acts specified in sub-article (2), (3) or (4) above, it shall be liable to punishment in accordance with Articles 34 and 90 (3) of this Code. Article 574. - Exposure or Abandonment of Another. (1) Whoever, having the custody or charge, on no matter what grounds, of a person incapable of protecting hims~, whether on account of his health, his .age, his situation or any other . circumstance,intentionally: a) exposes him, thereby putting him in imminent danger of life or health; or b) abandons him when in like situation, is punishable, according to' the circumstances of the case, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years, or with simple imprisonment for not less than six months, without prejudice to the deprivation of the criminal's family rights where necessary.

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336 (2) Criminal Code Where the crime is committed against an infant, the punishment shall be 'rigorous imprisonment not exceeding seven years.

Article 575.~ Failure to Lend Aid to Another. (1) Whoever intentionally leaves without help a person in imminent and grave peril of his, life, person or health, when he could have lent him assistance, direct or indirect, without risk to himself or to third parties, is punishable with simple jmprisonment not exceeding six months, or fine. (2) Simple imprisonment shall be in addition to fine, and shall be from one month to two years, where: a) the victim has been injured by the criminal himself, no matter in what circumstances or by whatever means; or b) the criminal was under an obligation, professional or contractual, medical, maritime or other, to go to the victim's aid or to lend him assistance.

Article

576.-

Maltreatment of Minors.

(1) Whoever, having the custody or charge of a minor, ill~ treats, neglects, over tasks or beats him for any reason or in any manner, is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding three months. (2) Where the crime causes grave injury to the health, well-being, education or physical or psychological development of the minor,

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the punishment shall be, in addition to the deprivation of family rights of the criminal, simple imprisonment for not less than one year. (3) The taking, by parents or other persons having similar responsibilities, of a disciplinary measwre that does not contravene the law, for purposes of proper upbringing, is not subject to this provision (Art. 68).

Article

577.-

Brawls.

(1) Whoever, without confining himself to repelling attack, to defending himself or others, or to separating the combatants, takes part in any brawl or fight of not less than three persons, from which injury to the person or health, or the death, of one of those present or damage to property, may ensue, is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding one year. (2) Whoever takes part in a brawl and is found to be carrying, or makes use of, a weapon or instrument capable of causing wounds or death, or any other similar weapon, is punishable with simple imprisonment from one month to one year, where no injury has ensued. (3) Where anyone has been wounded or killed on' account of the attendant circumstances of the brawl, especially because of the hatred,' state of excitement or drunkenness of the opposing sides, or because they were armed or were provided with instruments, stones or any other objects capable of wounding or causinC] death, the punishment shall be increased up to H general legal maximum.

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(4) In such. cases, where those who have caused the injury
.

or death can be discovered, they shall be punishable

under the relevant provisions concurrently (Art. 66).

Article 578.- Duels.

(1) Whoever takes part in a duel, that is to say in an armed combat involving deadly weapons regulated in advance by tradition or custom, such as to endanger the- life, person or health of the participants, is punishable, whether or not bopily injury has been sustained, with simple imprisonment or fine. (2) Where precautions have been taken to eliminate risk of death, simple imprisonment shall not exceed one year, or the fine shall not exceed two thousand Birr. (3) Where the combat was to last until the death of one of the combatants, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment, which shall not exceed ten years, where death actually ensued. (4) An adversary who, knowingly, infringes the special rules
.

or usages of combat and, by this deceit, wounds or kills

the other combatant, shall be punished in accordance with the general provisions of this Code governing homicide or bodily injuries.

Article 579.- Duelling: Challenge, Incitement and Aiding. (1) Whoever challenges another to a duel, transmits such challenge or accepts it,

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is punishable with fine, or where the duel is fought, with simple imprisonment not exceeding one . year. (2) Where the crime is repeated, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment not exceeding three months. (3) Where one of the adversaries withdraws. from the contest, or prevents it, of his own accord, the Court may exempt him, or both parties, from punishment (4) Whoever incites another to fight a duel with a third person, whether by intimidation, by encouragement, by showing contempt or otherwise, is punishable with fine, or, where the duel is fought, with simple imprisonment not exceeding one year. (5) The seconds, witnesses, members of the Court of honour, helpers or doctors, appointed to ensure the regularity of the proceeding or to remedy their consequences, are not liable to punishment unless they have encouraged or incited the adversaries to fight. The provisions relating .to complicity do not
apply to them..

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TITLE II CRIMES AGAINST LIBERTY CHAPTER I CRIMES AGAINST PERSONAL LIBERTY Article 580.- Intimidation.

Whoever threatens. another with danger or injury so

serious as to induce in him a state of alarm or agitation, is punishable, upon complaint, with fine not exceeding five hundred Birr, OJ with simple imprisonment not exceeding SIXmonths:

Nothing '.in this Article shalt /preventthe

Court from

ordering the convicted person to enter a recognizance to be of good behaviour (Art. 135);

Article 581.- Tl1reat of Accusation or Disgrace. Whoever thteate!1s to .'.lodges, a complaint or an

.',

accusation or to disclose a fact such as to injure the honour or reputalion -of.either the victim or a third party tied to hin'} bybloo(J;marriageoraffection, and thereby induc,e~jsuch other: p.erson to submit to, 'a condition or

demand c;ofiltrary to. morality, is punjshable, upon cOmplaint, un(Jerthe preceding Article (Art. 580). Artic(e 582.- Coercion. , WI1QeVef res.orts tQ violence or tQ threats of a. serious
ipIWry. ~Q.1,11.e. \(ic;tif1:1 or to a tNro party tied to him by blood,

marri~fi1e
preC~(fil9:

iaff~tion wi1,btit'l the meaning of the Article, or by intectering in any other unlaWful

or

or if:li\P~QJi1er WaY ,,,,It,I1 the 1~1"t,y of. action o.f another, cQm~fs; t;Vn;). tpo. to... a th~g. Q~~i p~rl\1;lit i~to be done, or to
retrej,r):,from
aping it or; ffOl!F1..pe~n:ti~!1g. it to. be dQne,

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is punishable, where the crime does not come under a more severe specific provision, with simple imprisonment not exceeding three years, or fine.

Article 583.-

Deprivation of Powers of Decision.

(1) Whoever deprives another against his will of his conscious faculties or of his freedom of decision or action, whether by hypnotic suggestion, by the administration of alcohol, or narcotic or psychotropic substances, or by any other means, is punishable, upon complaint, .with simple imprisonment or fine. (2) According to the circumstances of the case, this Article may be applied concurrently with other relevant provisions (Arts. 532-534).

Article 584.-

Combination of Crimes.

Where the intimidation, violence, coercion or deprivation of freedom of decision has been used in the commission of , or for the purpose of committing, a Grime of which such behavior is an ingredient, such as robbery, extortion, blackmail or rape, the relevant provision is applicable.

Article 585.-

Illegal Restraint.

(1) Whoever, contrary to law or without lawful order, arrests, confines or detains or otherwise restrains the freedom of another,

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342 Criminal Code is punishable with exceeding three years. simple imprisonment not

(2) The punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years where: a) the crime is committed on the false pretext of mental illness or dangerous condition of the victim; or b) the crime persists for more than five days. (3) Where the. crime is committed to compel the government, an international organization, a natural or a juridical person to do or to abstain from doing an act, by carrying out threats of er'ldangering the life, person or liberty of the detainee or of prolonging his detention, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from five years to ten years. (4) Where the crime under sub-article (1) or (2) is committed by a public servant or official, the special provision of this Code (Art. 423) shall apply. Article 586.Abduction of Another.

Whoever abducts another. by violence, or commits such an act after having obtained his consent by intimidation or violence, trickery or deceit, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding seven years.

Article 587.- Abduction of a Woman.

(1) Whoever with intent to marry a woman abducts her by violence, or commits such an act after having obtained her consent by intimidation, threat, trickery or deceit,

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is punishable with rigorous imprisonment three years to ten years.

343 from

(2) Where the act of abduction is accompanied by rape, the perpetrator shall be liable to the punishment prescribed for rape in this Code. (3) The conclusion of a marriage between the abductor and the abducted subsequent to the abduction shall not preclude criminal 'liability. (4) Nothing shall affect the right of the victim to claim
.

compensation under civil law for the moral and

material damage she may have sustained as a result of the abduction.

Article

588.- Abduction of an Unconscious or Defenceless Woman.

Whoever knowing her conditions, intentionally carries off an insane, feeble-minded or retarded woman, one not fully conscious, or one who is incapable or has been rendered incapable of defending herself or of offering resistance, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from five years to fifteen years.

Article

589.- Abduction

of a Minor.

(1) Whoever abducts another by violence, or commits such an act after having obtained his consent by intimidation or violence, trickery or deceit, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from five years to fifteen years.

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344 (2) Criminal Code Whoever knowing his conditions, intentionally carries off an insane, feeble-minded or retarded minor, one not fully conscious, or one who is incapable or has been rendered incapable of defending himself or of offering resistance, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from seven years to twenty years.

(3) Whoever carries off, abducts or improperly detains an infant or a young person in order to deprive his parents or lawful guardians of his custody, is punishable with rigorous -imprisonment not exceeding five years. (4) Where the criminai ieturns the minor to his parents or lawful guardians within thirty days, and where none of the aggravating circumstances specified in the following Article has obtained, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment not exceeding one year.

Article 590.- Aggravation to the Crime. (1) Where the intimidation, the coercion, the deprivation of powers of decision, the illegal restraint or the abduction is committed: a) with intent to take unfair advantage of the victim, or to allow another to take advantage of him, or to use him for debauchery or prostitution; or b) to exploit him or to hold him to ransom; or c) in conditions which are specially cruel, the crime is aggravated, and the punishment shall be in accordance with the following provisions. (2) The Court shall pass sentence:

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345

a) of simple imprisonment fro 111 three months to five years inthe case of intimidation or coercion (Art. 980 to 582); b) of rigorous imprisonmel1t not exceeding seven years where, th~re ha~ be.en deprivation of powers of decIsion or iU~gal restraint (Art. 583 and 585); c) of rigorous imprisonment from five years to fifteen years in the case of simple abduction (Art. .

586 and 587); .

d) of rigQl"ous imprisonment from seven years to twenty years in the case of .tbeabduction of an unconscious or defenceless woman (Art. 588); and e) of rigorous impriso,nmentJrom ten' years to twenty-five years in the case of the abduction of a minor (Art. 589):

Article 591...

Substitut~on of. an Inf~mt for Another and . Taking AWiily.of an Infant belonging to Anothe.r.
.

(1). Whoever.

a) substitutes an infanlJoJcu'\otller; or, b) takes away, claiming' to be his, an infant who was not born of him, is punishable.. '.~itro, rigorous imprisonment not .. exceeding seven years.'

intentionally:

(2) Where. the crime. is . committ$d .neg{igent/)'; the

punfshme.nt. shaft. be s{mple exceeding' one year.

imprisonment ndt

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Article 592.- Failure to Produce a Minor. Whoever having the custody of a minor refuses to hand him over to the person or institution entitled to his custody either by law or by virtue of a Court order, is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding oneVear, or fine. Article 593.Ascendants; Special Case.

Where the criminal who abducts (Art. 589) or fails to produce a minor (Art. 592) is the father or mother, natural or adoptive, or an ascendant of such minor, and where he has acted with the sole intent to secure custody of the child, or from noble motives, the punishment shall be, upon complaint, simple imprisonment not exceeding three months, or fine not exceeding five hundred Birr. Article 594.Aggravated Cases.

Where the crime under Article 592 or 593 has been committed for the purpose of. removing the child to a distance andtransptanting him to an environment foreign to his religious convictions or to his deepest feelings, the punishment shall be sirnpleimprisonment not exceeding five years, or fine not exceeding ten thousand Birr. Article 595.Political Abduction.

(1) Whoever, after having abducted another for a political reascn,by intimidation, trickery, violel1ce or coercion, with the- intention of endangering his life, person, health or freedom:

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a) persuades him into leaving the Gountry in order to hand him over to an authority, an organization, a group or a political party; or b) hands him over to a local group or political party, or c) causes him to be isolated from the public within the

country,
(2)

is punishable

with rigorous. imprisonment

.

not

exceeding fifteen years.

Whoever orders or organizes such abduction is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding twenty years.

Article 596.- Enslavement.

(1) Whoever: a) forcibly enslaves another, sells,. alienates, pledges or buys him, or trades or traffics in or exploits him in any manner; or b) keeps or maintains another in a condition of slavery, even in a disguised form, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from five years to twenty years, and fine not exceeding fifty thousand Birr. (2) Whoever, in order to deliver him at his place of destination, carries off or transports a person found in situations stated above, whether by land; by sea or by air, or conducts or aids such traffic, is liable to the punishment under. sub-article
.

(1) above.

(3) Where the crime is committed agairJst children, women, feeble-minded or sick persons, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonr:nent from ten years to twenty years.

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348 Article 597.(1) Whoever

Criminal Code
Trafficking in Women aod Children.

by violence, threat, deceit, fraud, kidnapping or by the giving of money or other advantage to the person having control over a woman ora child, recruits, receives, hides, transports, exports or imports a woman or a minor for the purpose of forced labour, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from five years to twenty years, and fine not exceeding fifty thousand Birr.

(2) Whoever knowingly carries off, or transports, whether by land, by sea or by air, the victim mentioned in subarticle (1), with the purpose stated therein, or conducts, or aids such traffic,

is liable to the penalty prescribed under sub-article (1) above. Unlawful Sending of Ethiopians for Work Abroad.

Article 598.-

(1) Whoever, without having obtained a license or by any other. unlawful means, sends an Ethiopian woman for work abroad, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from five years to ten years, and fine not exceeding twenty-five thousand Birr. (2) Where the Ethiopian woman sent abroad, owing to the act mentioned above, suffers an injury to her human rights, or to her life, body or psYChologicalmake-up, the
.

sender shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment from five years to twenty years, and fine not exceeding
fifty thousand Birr. <

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(3) The provisions of this Article shall apply where similar acts are committed against Ethiopian men.

Article 599.-

Participation of Illegal Associations and

Juridical Persons this Chapter. in Crimes Specified in

(1) Where the injury to liberty, whether by intimidation, trickery, coercion, abduction, illegal restraint, enslavement, traffic or exploitation in one of the above forms stated in this Chapter, is the work of an association or band formed to 'engage in, or engaging in, the slave trade, no matter in what form, such band or association shall be punishable with a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand Birr and its dissolution shall be ordered. This penalty is without prejudice to the punishment applicable to the criminal or criminals on the count of their personal criminal guilt. (2) Where the juridical person has committed the crime it shall according to the kind and gravity of the crime, be liable to the punishment prescribed in Article 90 of this Code.

Article 600.-

Oefauft of Supervision or Control.

(1) An official at any level of the governmental hierarchy who fails to take the appropriate measure expected of him for the control or prevention of traffic in or exploitation of slaves or related activities, within his jurisdiction.

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350 Criminal Code is punishable with a fine which, according to the gravity of the case, may be increased up to the special maximum prescribed under Articles 596599. (2) Where the crime is committed negligently, the fine shall not exceed ten thousand Birr.

CHAPTER II CRIMES AGAINST OTHER PERSONS' RIGHTS Article 601.-Restraint of the Free Exercise of Civil Rights.

(1) Whoever by intimidation, violence, fraud or any other unlawful means: a) prevents a person from exercising his civil rights granted by the Constitution or other laws, especially his right as a parent or a guardian, his right to bring a legal action or to appear before the Courts; or b) compels him to particular way, exercise such rights in a

is punishable with simple exceeding three years, or fine.

imprisonment

not

(2) The restraint of the free exercise of political rights, especially the right of voting and election, is punishable under the special provision of this Code (Art. 467).

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Criminal Code Article 602.Violation of the Movement. Right of Freedom 351 of

(1) Whoever, not being authorized by law so to do, prevents another from moving freely within the territory of Ethiopia, is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine.

(2) Where the criminal is a public servant, he shall be punishable under the relevant provision of this Code (Art. 407). Article 603.- Violation of the Right of Freedom to Work.
(1) Whoever, by intimidation, violence, fraud or any other unlawful means, compels another: a) to accept a particular employment or particular conditions of employment, or to refuse or withhold his labour, with the object of imposing on an employer by force the acceptance or modification of terms of employment; or b) to join a group or association having as its aim the objects mentioned in (a), or anyone who prevents another from freely leaving such a group or association, is punishable, upon complaint, with simple imprisonment for not less than three months, or fine. (2) Where the person or persons causing intimidation or violence were carrying weapons or other instruments, or where the prevention or coercion is the work of a large group, the punishment of imprisonment prescribed under sub-article (1) shall be imposed in combination with fine.

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Article 604.- Violation of Privacy of Domicile or Restricted Areas. (1) Whoever, in contravention of the law: a} enters, against the wishes of the lawful occupant, a house, premises, boat or any other place used for living in, or a restricted area abutting on a house or dwelling, or a garden or any other private property; or b) forcibly enters without permission the premises, offices, storehouse or yards of an undertaking, company or body corporate, even though not inhabited; or c} having entered without opposition from or with the permission of the lawful occupant, remains there when called upon by him to leave, is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding three years, or fine. (2) Where the violation is committed by a public servant who is not authorized to take such action, or who does so in violation of legal safeguards and formalities, the special provision (Art. 422) shall apply.

Article 605.-

Aggravation to the Crime.

Where the crime is committed: a) by carrying weapons, making use of threats or resorting to violence; or b} by a group of persons acting in common; or c) between the hours of six PM and six AM, unless otherwise authorized by law; or d) by a person holding himself on to be a public servant or official,

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the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years.

Article 606.-

Violation of the Privacy of Correspondence

or Consignments.

(1) Whoever, without lawful authority: a} deliberately learns about the contents

of or

opens a business or private closed- or open

letter, envelope or correspondence, or accesses electronic, telegram, tel~phone or telecommunication correspondence, commercial or private closed letter or envelope, or a packet, a sealed parcel or any consignment,. which is not his; or b} having learned of certain facts by opening, even by mistake or negligence, such. a closed envelope or parcel not addressed to him, divulges such facts or derives a gain therefrom, is punishable, upon complaint, with a fine not exceeding one thousand Birr, or according to the circumstances of the case, with simple imprisonment not exceeding three months. (2) Whoever intentionally and unlawfully intercepts, destroys, retains or diverts from their true destination such correspondence or packages, is punishable upon accusation. with simple imprisonment not exceeding six mohths, where his act does not constitute a specific crime punishable more severely. (3) Nothing shall affect the provisions relating to breach of .ofticial secrecy, unlawful disposal of objects in charge and appropriation and misappropriation in the discharge of duties by public servants (Arts.

397,412 and413).

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TITLE III CRIMES AGAINST HONOUR CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 607.- Principle. (1) Crimes against honour" or reputation, committed in one of the forms specified in the following Articles, are punishable no matter what the rank or social status of the criminal or of the-injured party. They may be committed against individuals, or juridical persons. In the case of individuals, they may be committed equally against living persons, deceased persons or against persons declared absent. (2) In determining the punishment for the different crimes, the Court shall take into account the gravity of the crime, the position of the injured party and the extent of the publicity or circulation involved in the crime. Article 608.Means of Commission.

Injury to honour, direct or indirect, can be committed whether by word of mouth or. by sound, in writing, by image, drawing, sign behaviour or gesture or by any other means or other way whatsoever. Indirect means of crime or circulation .by any process of recording reproduction, emission, communication or projection, graphical, visual or aural, rank with natural and direct means.

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Punishment to be imposed where the Crime is Committed by Juridical Persons.

(1) The punishment to be imposed shall be a fine where the crime is committed by a juridical person.

(2) The penalty to be inflicted upon the juridical person under sub-article (1) shall not prevent the punishment of its directors, managers, inspectors, agents, proxies or members who are proved to have committed a crime of the same kind personally. Article 610.Compensation.

(1) Damages for the material or moral injury done to the injured party, shall be fixed by the Court in accordance with the general provisions (Art. 101), having regard to the gravity and extent of the crime and to the positions of the criminal and the injured

party.

(2) The moral reparation ordered by the Court, especially in the form of publication of the judgment, of a part thereof or of its operative part (Art. 155), shall be determined in the light of the same considerations, and shall be adapted to the degree

of protection called for in each specific case.

Article 611.Immunity.

Members of the constitutionally established legislature, executive or judiciary are not susceptible to legal proceedings on the ground of injury"to honour done by information or statements, correct as to form, given or made by them in conformity with their duties and in the regular discharge of their duties."

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Article 612.- Non- Punishable Comment and Averments. The following are not punishable as injury to honour: a) considered opinions and well-founded criticism, couched in proper and moderate terms, concerning personal aptitudes or artistic, literary, scientific, professional or social activities, creations or productions; or b) averments, statements or comments uttered or repeated by a public servant or by an advocate or attorney, by an expert or witness, by a journalist or by any other person acting in Jood faith in the discharge of his duties, especially by way of investigations, reports or depositions, in the defence before court or before the administrative authorities, or by way of authorized public information service, where the alleged facts are germane to and remain within the confines thereof and where they are not uttered with express intent to discredit.

CHAPTET II SPECIAL PROVISIONS; INJURY TO HONOUR

Article 613.- Defamation and Calumny.

(1) Whoever, addressing a third party, imputes to

another, with the intent to injure his honour or reputation, an act, a fact. or a conduct, where the allegation accords with the truth, is punishable, upon complaint, with simple imprisonment not exceeding six months, or fine.

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(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

Statements made concerning a crime of which a person has been found guilty, has duly served the sentence or has been granted pardon or amnesty, with intent to injure his honour or reputation, shall be considered as defamation and are punishable under the preceding Article. Where the defamatory imputations or allegations constituting the injury to. honour or reputation are false and are uttered or spread with knowledge of their falsity, the criminal is punishable upon complaint, for calumny with simple imprisonment for not less than one month, and fine. Where the criminal has acted with deliberate intent to ruin the victim's reputation, he shall be punished, upon complaint, wUh simple imprisonment for not less than three months, and fine. Where the imputation or allegation is false and made negligently, it is punishable, upon complaint, with simple imprisonment not exceeding one year, or fine. False accusation or denunciation to the authorities is punishable under the special provision (Art. 447), and is not liable to any concurrent penalty.

Article 614.- Truthful Assertions and safeguarding of Higher Interest Excepted.

(1) A person charged with defamation cannot in general plead in defence that he acted without intent to injure, or that he confined himself to repeating even though not belieying them, allegations emanating from another, or that it was a matter of common knowledge, or that he uttered suspicions or conjectures.

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(2)

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Where the criminal commits the act by uttering or expressing the truth, or having sufficient ground to believe that it is true, he shall not be liable to punishment if he can prove that: a) he did not have the intention to injure the honour or reputation of another; or b) he acted in the public interest or he was actuated by a higher interest or moral aim. (3) Where the .criminal is convicted of calumny, he may in no case exculpate himself by iflvoking public or higher interest.

Article 615.-

Insulting Behaviour and Outrage.

Except in cases where it is punishable as a petty offence (Art. 844), anyone directly addressing the victim, or
referring to him, offends him in his honour by insult or injury, or outrages him by gesture or in any other manner, is punishable, upon complaint, with simple imprisonment not exceeding three months, or fine not exceeding three hundred Birr.

Article 616.- Provocation and Retaliation.

(1) The Court may impose no punishment where a person charged with insulting behaviour or outrage has been provoked or carried away by an attitude, conduct or acts, even towards a third party, which are manifestly so shocking, offensive or reprehensible as to make his act excusable.

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(2) Where the injured party has at once replied to an insult or outrage in kind, the Court may, according to the circumstances, exempt from . punishment both criminals or one of them.

Article 617.-

Withdrawal and Repentance.

(1) Where, during proceedings, a person charged with an injury to honour withdraws his allegations and expresses his regrets, either in writing or orally before the Court, the Courtrnay mitiga.te the penalty (Art. 179). (2) The Court shall in all cases deliver formal attestation of the withdrawal to the interested party, for all appropriate purposes.

Article 618.-

Special Cases Aggravating the Crime.

or calumny, insult or outrage, has been deliberately committed against a public servant in the discharge of his official duty, or in relation thereto, the criminal is punishable, upon complaint:

(1) Where the defamation

a) with simple imprisonment not exceeding six months, and fine not exceeding one thousand Birr in cases of insult or outrage; . b) with simple imprisQnment from one month to one year, and fine in cases of defamation; or c) with simple imprisonment for not less than three months, and fine in cases of calumny; or d) with simple imprisonment for not less than six months, and fine, in cases of deliberate act to ruin the victim's reputation.

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Criminat Code (2) Nothing in this Article shall affect the special provisions relating to injuryto the honour of the State (Art. 244), to insults to foreign States and inter-State institutions (Art. 264 and 266), to insults to a military superior (Art. 297) and to contempt of Court (Art. 449).

Article 619.-

Proceedings in Respect of Injury to the Honour of Absent or Deceased . Persons.

(1) Where any of the injuries to honour punishable under this Chapter relates to a deceased person or to a person legally declared absent, the right to lodge a complaint lies exclusively with his descendants, natural or adopted, and. with his spouse, or, in their default, with his ascendants, natural or legal, and with his brothers and sisters. (2) Limitationof the action, in respect of injuryto private honour, is regulated by the general provisions. Where the allegations constituting the injury to the memory of the person affected refer to a, public activity of any kind which has passed into the historical, artistic, literary or scientific domain, the complaint shall not be admissible if, at the time when the incriminating act is committed, at least thirty years have passed since the death of the injured
person or since he was legally declared absent.

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TITLE IV
CRIMES AGAINST MORALS AND THE FAMLY CHAPTER I CRIMES AGAINST MORALS
Section 1.-

Injury to Sexual Liberty and Chastity

Article 620... Rape.

(1) Whoever compels a woman to submit to sexual intercourse outside wedlock, whether by the use of violence or grave intimidation, or after having rendered her unconscious or incapable of resistance, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from five years to fifteen years. (2) Where the crime is committed: a) on a young woman between thirteen and eighteen years of age; or b) on an inmate of an alms-house or asylum or any establishment of health, education, correction, detention or internment which is under the direction, supervision or authority of the accused person, or on anyone who is under the supervision or control of or dependant upon him;

or

c) on a woman incapable of understanding the nature or consequences of the act, or of resisting the act, due to old-age, physical or mental illness, depression or any other reason; or

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d) by a number of men acting in concert, or by subjecting the victim to act of cruelty or sadism, the punishment shall .be rigorous imprisonment from five years to twenty years. (3) Where the rape has caused grave physical or mental injury or death, the punishment shall be life imprisonment. (4) Where the rape is related to illegal restraint or abduction of the victim, or where communicable disease has been transmitted to her, the relevant provisions of this Code shall apply concurrently.

Article 621.-

Compelling a Man to Sexual Intercourse.

A woman who compels a man to sexual intercourse with herself, is punishable exceeding five years. with rigorous imprisonment not

Article 622.- Sexual Outrages Accompanied by Violence. Whoever, by the use of violence or grave intimidation, or after having in any other way rendered his victim incapable of offering resistance, compels a person of the opposite sex, to perform. or to submit to an act corresponding to the sexual act, or any other indecent act, is punishable with simple imprisonment for not less than one year, or rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years.

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Article 623.- Sexual Outrages on Unconscious or Deluded. Persons, or on Persons Incapable of Resisting. Whoever, knowing of his victim's incapacity, but without using violence or intimidation, performs sexual intercourse, or commits a like or any other indecent act, with an idiot, with a feeble-minded or retarded, insane or unconscious person, or with a. person who is for any other .reason. incapable of understanding the nature or consequences oLthe act, is punishable, according to the circumstances of the case, with simple imprisonment for not less than one year, or with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding fifteen years.

Article 624.-

Sexual Outrages on Persons in Hospital, Interned or Under Detention.

Whoever, by taking advantage of his position, office or state, has sexual intercourse or performs an act corresponding to the sexual act or any other indecent act with an inmate of a hospital, an alms-house or an asylum, or any establishment of education, correction, internment or detention, who is under his direction, supervision or authority, is punishable, according to the circumstances of the case, with simple imprisonment for not less than one year, or with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding fifteen years.

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Article

625.- Taking Advantage Dependence of a Woman.

of the

Distress

or

Whoever, apart from the cases specified in the preceding Article, procures from a woman sexual intercourse or any other indecent act by taking advantage of her material or mental distress Qr of the authority he exercises over her by virtue of his position, function or capacity as protector, teacher, master or .

employer,or by virtueof any other likerelationship,

is punishable, imprisonment. 626.upon complaint,

with simple

Article

Sexual Outrages on Minors between the Ages of Thirteen and Eighteen Years.

(1) Whoever performs sexual intercourse with a minor of the opposite sex, who is between the ages of thirteen and eighteen years, or causes her to perform such an act with her, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment from three
years to fifteen years.
(2) A woman who causes a male minor between the ages of thirteen and eighteen years, to perform . , sexual intercourse with her, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding seven years. (3) Whoever performs an act corresponding to the sexual act or any other indecent act upon a minor, of the opposite sex who is between the ages of

thirteen and eighteen years, his presence,

induces him to perform

such an act, or deliberately performs such an act in

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is punishable with simple imprisonment not less than three months or with ri!}orousimprisonment not exceeding five years.
(4) Where the victim is the pupil, apprentice, domestic servant or ward of the criminal, or a child entrusted to his custody or care, or in any other way directly dependant upon or subordinate to him, the punishment shall be : a) with rigorous imprisonment from five years to twenty years in respect of the crime specified in sub-article- (1) above; b) with rigorous imprisonment from three years to ten years in respect of the crime specified in subarticle (2) above; or c) with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding seven years in respect of the crime. specified in subarticle (3) above. (5) Where the sexual outrage has caused grave bodily or mental injury to or death of the victim, the relevant provision of this Code shall apply concurrently.

Article 627.(1)

Sexual Outrages Committed on Infants.

Whoever performs sexual intercourse with a minor of the opposite sex, who is under the age of thirteen years, or causes her to perform such an act with her, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment thirteen years to twenty-five years. from

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(2) A womanwho causesa male minor underthe age of thirteen years, to perform sexual intercourse with her,
is punishable, with exceeding ten years. (3) rigorous imprisonment not

Whoever performs an act corresponding to the sexual act or any other indecent act upon a minor, of the opposite sex who is under age of thirteen years, induces him to perform such an act, or deliberately performs such an act;n his presence, is punishable with exceeding ten years. rigorous imprisonment not

(4) Where the victim is the pupil, apprentice, domestic servant or ward of the criminal, or a child entrusted to his custody or care, or in any other way directly dependant upon or subordinate to him, a) in respect of the crime prescribed in sub-article (1) above the punishment shall be more severe on such a person than when it is committed by other persons; b) in respect of the crime prescribed in sub-article (2) above the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from three years to fifteen years. c) in respect of the crime prescribed in sub-article (3) above the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from three years to fifteen years. (5) Where the sexual outrage has caused grave bodily or mental injury to or death of the victim, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment for life,

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367

Other Grounds Aggravating the Crime.

In all cases involving rape or sexual outrage

(Arts.620 -

627), the punishment shall be. rigorous imprisonment

from five years to twenty-five years, where the relevant provision does not prescribe a more severe penalty: a) where the victim becomes pregnant; or b) where the criminal transmits to the victim a venereal disease with which he knows himself to be infected; or c) where the victim is driven to suicide by distress, anxiety, shame or despair. Section 11.- SEXUAL DEVIATIONS

Article 629.- Homosexual and other Indecent Acts.

Whoever performs with another person of the same sex a homosexual act, or any other indecent act, is punishable with simple imprisonment.

Article 630.-

General Aggravation to the Crime.

(1) The punishment shall be simple imprisonment for not less than one year, or, in grave cases, rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years, where the criminal: a) takes unfair advantage of the material or mental distress of another or. of the authority .he exercises over another by virtue of l1is position, office or capacity as guardian, tutor, protector, teacher, master or employer, or by virtue of any other like relationship, to cause such other person to perform or to submit to such an act; or

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368 Criminal Code b)" makes a profession of such activities within the meaning of the law (Art. 92). (2) The punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from three years to fifteen years, where: a) the criminal uses violence, intimidation or coercion, trickery or fraud, or takes unfair advantage of the victim's inability to offer resistance or to defend himself or of his feeblemindedness or unconsciousness; or b) the criminal subjects his victir.n to acts of cruelty or sadism, or transmits to him a venereal disease with which he knows himself to be infected; or c) the victim is driven to suicide by distress, shame or despair.

Article 631.-

Homosexual and Other Performed on Minors.

Indecent

Acts

(1) Whoever performs a homosexual act on a minor, is punishable: a) with rigorous imprisonment from three years to fifteen years, where the victim is between the ages of thirteen and eighteen years; or

b) with rigorous imprisonment from fifteen years to twenty-five, years, where the victim is below thirteen years of age.
(2) A woman who performs a homosexual act on a female minor, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years.

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(3) Whoever performs any other indecent act on a minor of the same sex, is' punishable with simple

imprisonment.

(4) Where the victim is the pupil, apprentice, domestic servant or ward of the criminal, qr a child entrusted to his custody or care, or in any other way directly dependant upon or subordinate to him: a) in the case of sub-article (1) the punishment to . be imposed upon such criminal shall be more severe than when the crime is committed by another person; b) in. the case of sub-article (2) the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment from \hree years to ten years; c) in the case of sub-article (3) the punishment shall be simple imprisonment for not less than six months. (5) Where the sexual outrage has caused death or grave physical or mental injury upon the victim; or Where the victim is driven to suicide by distress, shame or despair, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment for life.

Article 632.- Participation of a Juridical Person in Sexual Outrages Committed on Minors.

Where an official or employee of a juridical person or
any other person commits one of the crimes in the" provision of Articles 626-628 and 631 on a minor living in an institution established for the purpose of upbringing, educating, training or in any other way taking care of chilaren, and where the operation. or administration of such. juridical. person has. created a favourable condition for the commission of such crimes, or where the crime is' committed because the juridical pernon has not provided sufficient safeguard, .

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the juridical person shall be punishable in accordance with Article 90 of this Code according to the kind and gravity of each crime.

Article 633.- Sexual Intercourse with an Animal.

Whoever performs sexual intercourse with an animal, is punishable with simple imprisonment.

Section

III."' EXPLOITATION OF THE IMMORALITY OF OTHERS

Article 634.- Habitual Exploitation for Pecuniary Gain.

Whoever, for gain, makes a profession of or lives by procuring or on the prqstitution or immorality of another, or maintains, as a landlord or keeper, a brothel, is punishable with simple imprisonment and fine.

Article 635.- Traffic in Women and Minors.

Whoever, for a) traffics in them, by otherwise even with gain, or to gratify the passions of another: women or minors, whether by seducing enticing them, or by procuring them or inducing them to engage in prostitution, their consent; or

b) keeps such a person in a brothel to let him out to prostitution, is punishable with rigorqus imprisonment not exceeding . five years, and fine not exceeding ten thousand Birr, subject to the application of more severe provisions, especially where there is concurrent illegal restraint.

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Article 636.Aggravation to the Crime. In cases of professional procuring or traffic in persons,

rigorous imprisonment shall be from three years to ten years, and the fine shall not exceed twenty thousand Birr where:

a) the victim is a minor; or

b) the victim is the wife or a descendant of the criminal, his adopted child or the child of his spouse, his brother or his sister, or his ward, or where the victim has been entrusted, on any ground whatsoever, to his custody or care; or c) the criminal has taken unfair advantage of the material or mental distress of his victim, or of his position as protector, employer, teacher, landlord or creditor, or'of any other like situation; or d) the criminal has made use of trickery, fraud, violence, intimidation, coercion, or where he has misused his authority over the victim; or e) the victim is intended for a professional procurer, , whereabouts or place of abode cannot be established; or the victim has been driven to suicide by shame, distress or despair.

or has been taken abroad or where the victim's

f)

Article

637.- Organization of Traffic in Women and Minors.

Whoever makes arrangements or provisions of any kind for the procurement of or traffic in women or minors, is punishable with simple imprisonment, or according to the circumstances of the case, especially where a professional procurer is involved or where the arrangements are fully.made and intended to apply to many victims, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding three years, and a fine Which shall be not less than five hundred Birr in grave cases.

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Article 638.-

Where a juridical person takes part in the crimes specified in this Section, it shall be punishable in accordance with Article 90(3) of this Code, depending on the nature of the crime and the circumstances of the case.
Section IV.- CRIMES TENDING TO CORRUPT MORALS

Article 639.- Public Indecency Morals.

and .Outrages

against

(1) Whoever, in a public place or in sight of the public, deliberately performs the sexual act or any other obscene act or gesture grossly offensive to decency or morals, is punishable with simple imprisonment from three months to one year, or fine not exceeding one thousand Birr. (2) Where the criminalhas knowinglyperformed the act in the presence ofa minor, the punishment shall be simple imprisonmentfrom six montl1s to five years.
Article. 640.- .

Obscene or Indecent Publications.

(1) Whoever: a) makes, imports or exports, transports, receives, possesses, displays in public, offers for sale or hires, distributes or circulates writings, images, posters, films or btherobjects which are obscene

or grosslyindecent,or inany otherwaytrafficsor

trades in them; or

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b) advertises, indicates or makes known, by any means, how or from whom such objects may be procured or circulated, either directly or indirectly, is punishable with simple imprisonment for not less than six months, and fine, without prejudice to the forfeiture and destruction of the incriminating material. (2) Simple imprisonment shall be for not less than one year, and the fine shall not exceed ten thousand Birr, where the criminal: a) habitually engages in or carries on such traffic; b) knowingly exhibits, hands over or delivers such objects to a minor; or c) for this purpose displays a simulation of sexual intercourse by minors orexhibits their genitals,

Article 641.-

Obscene or Indecent Performances.

The punishments specified in the preceding Article are applicable to anyone who organizes or gives public auditions or performances, in a theatre or in a cinema, by projection or by radio or television broadcast, by ~ideo, or in any other way, which are obscene or grossly indecent.

Article 642.-

Lawful Works.

Works or objects purely artistic, literary or scientific in character which are not calculated to inflame erotic feelings or lust, are not held to be obscene or indecent.

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Article 643.- Indecent Publicity and Advertisements. (1) Whoever displays in public indecent or immoral objects, products or works, is punishable with simple imprisonment for not less than one month, and fine. (2) Whoever sends by any means such things to persons not having solicited them or having no professional interest in them, is punishable, upon complaint, with a fine not exceeding five hundred Birr; or with simple imprisonment. Article 644.Protection of Minors.

Whoever, for gain or to provoke: a) publicly displays by video, or in a shop window, in a booth or in any other place visible from without, writings, images or objects such as to stimulate unduly, to pervert or to misdirect the sexual instinct,. or to arouse or to stimulate unduly brutal or bloodthirsty instincts, or antisocial feelings or feelings which are inimical to the familyspirit, in minors; or b) knowingly offers, lends, gives or sells such
objects, images or writings to a minor,
is punishable with simple. imprisonment from six months to three years, and fine, without prejudice to the forfeiture of the incriminating material where appropriate.

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a Juridical Person.

Where a juridical person takes part in the crimes specified in this Section, it shall be punishable in accordance with Article 90(3) of this Code, depending on the nature of the crime and the circumstances of the case.

CHAPTER II CRIMES AGAINST THE FAMILY

Section

1.- CRIMES AGAINST THE INSTITUTION OF MARRIAGE

Irticle 646.- Fraud and Deceit in Marriage.

(1) Whoever intentionally, in contracting or in order to contract a marriage, conceals from his spouse a fact that would annul or invalidate the marriage on one of the grounds specified by law, is punishable with simple imprisonment exceeding two years, or fine not exceeding thousand Birr. ' not five

(2) Whoever procures a marriage by means of intentional misrepresentation, error, fraud or deceit in respect of his identity, is punishable, upon complaint, with simple imprisonment not exceeding one year, or fine not exceeding one thousand Birr.

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Article 647.- Solemnizing Marriage.

or Contracting

an

Unlawful

(1) Whoever intentionally solemnizes a marriage forbidden by law, is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding three years, or fine not exceeding five thousand Birr. (2) Whoever contracts, permits or becomes a witness to a marriage forbidden by law, is punishable under the provisions of sub-article (1) of this Article. (3) Where the .crime specified under sub-article (1) or (2) of this Article is committed negligently, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment not exceeding three months, or fine.

Article 648.-

Early Marriage.

Whoever concludes marriage with a minor apart from circumstances permitted by relevant Family Code is punishable with: a) rigorous imprisonment not exceeding three years, where the age of the victim is thirteen years or above; or b) rigorous imprisonment not exceeding seven years, where the age of the victim is below thirteen years.

Article 649.- Where Solemnization or Conclusion Unlawful Marriage is not Punishable.

No proceedings may be instituted under Article 647, unless the marriage has been annulled.

of an
646 or

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377

(1) Whoever, being tied by the bond of a valid marriage, intentionally contracts another marriage before the first union has been dissolved or annulled, is punishable with simple. imprisonment, or, in grave cases, and especially where the criminal has knowingly misled his partner in the second union as to his true state, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years. (2) Any unmarried person who marries another he knows to be tied by the bond of an exi.stingmarriage, is punishable with simple imprisonment. (3) Limitationof criminal proceedings is suspended until such time as one of the two marriages shall have been dissolved or annulled. Article 651.Exception.

The preceding Article shall not apply where bigamy is committed in conformitY.with religious or traditional practices recognized by law. Article 652.Adultery.

(1) A spouse bound by a union recognized under civil law who commits adultery, is punishable, upon complaint by the injured spouse, with simple imprisonment or fine. The same. punishment shall apply to the partner who commits adultery with a person whom he knows to have a valid marriage.

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378 Criminal Code Where the complainant has provoked the adultery, consented to it,. conl;:Joned it or derived profit from it, no proceedings shall follow. (2) The .Court may mitigate the punishment (Art. 180) where, at the time at which the adultery was committed, the two spouses had already ceased to cohabit. (3) Where the criminal installs a concubine in the conjugal home while hot divorced or abandoned by his spouse, simple imprisonme.,t shall be for not less than three months. Article 653.Death of Complainant.

Where the injured party dies before lodging his complaint, the criminal shall not be subject to criminal liability. Where criminal proceedings have been instituted upon complaint and where the criminal has been sentenced to impris~>nment, the Court may, whether the victim has died or not, order the termination of the punishment of deprivation of liberty by a decision stating the reasons thereof, where the circumstances, especially the convicted person's liabilities as head of a family or as the person supporting it, justify such a course. SECTION 11.- SEXUAL CRIMES BETWEEN RELATIVES Article 654.Incest.

Performance of the. sexual act, intentionally, between ,persons whose marriage is forbidden by the relevant law on the grounds of blood relationship,

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is punishable, according to the circumstances, and without prejudice to the deprivation of familyrights of the criminali,witn simpte imprisonment for not less than three months, or' with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding three years., Article 655.- Indecent Behavior between Relatives. Acts corresponding to the sexual act or other indecent acts between personsirelated.by blood, 'are punishable with simpleimprisonme'nt n.otexceeding six.months;
SecHon
111.-

CRIMES AGAINST COMPULSORY

REGISTRATION AND'FAMIL Y DUTIES

Artiple656.-

Omfssion to Register the Birth of an Infant or,to.R-eportiits Abandonment.

(1) Whoever, fails\.to declare the birth of an infant, as prescribed bylaw, to the officer.ofcivirstatus, is punishable with a fine not exceeding five hundred Birr,or simple imprisonment notcexceeding one month. (2)Who~ver,'Hnding a n~wbotn infant abandoned, fails 'to reportit to'theappropriateauthority, is .liableto the same punishment. Artlcle '657~~False'. Regjstrati()n, Substitution of Infants.
, ,

Supposition

and

(1}W~()eve(~uppressesor fals'ifiesa fact to be entered into the; register. of the civil status of another,
" ,esP'~_ciallyby registering or causingto be registered afal,sa declaration concerning th'eid~ntity or birth of
aniiifant,' """,

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is punishable'with simple imprisonment. (2) Incases entailing or likely to entail grave foreseeable consequences; especially in ,the case of registration'by substituting oneinfantfor another, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years.

Article 658.,

Failure to Maintain.
without good c,ause: ,

Whoever,

a) refuses or. omits to. provide" maintenance which

he owes, by virtue of law, to entitled persons, even to a spouse who brought action for divorce; until such divorce is pronounced; or b) fails to meet the financi.ilobligations he has incurred, by virtue of law or formal undertaking, towards a.woman whom he has 'made pregnant out of wedlock, .or towards .a person with whom he has lived in an irregular union, is -punishable, upon complaint, with fine, or with simple imprisonment not exceeding, six months.

Article 659.-

Failure to Bring up.

(1) A parent or othe'r person exercising the authority of

guardian' or tutor, who, .forgain or in dereliction of his duty; a) grossly neglect& the(:hild~en,,,md~rlJ,ischarge and abandons them without due'" care and
attention or to rTlOnll or: physical danger; or

b) entrusts a child for a long time to, a person, an .organi;zc!tiol1oran institution with whom or where he knQws, or could have foreseen, that it will be i'educedto phy&ical or, moral d~~titytion, or will
,

bEYphysically or psychologically

endangered,

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381

is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine. In grave cases, the Court may in addition deprive the criminal of his familyrights. (2) Where the child has suffered injury, whether foreseen or calculated, whether by abuse of the right to administer chastisement or through ill-treatment, . the relevant provision in this Code shall apply
concurrently (Art. ,,63).

CHAPTER III COMMON PROVISIONS

Article 660.-

Concurrence of Crimes.

(1) In cases where crimes against the institution of marriage (Arts. 648, 649 or 652), and those against kinship (Art.654), are committed simultaneously, the relevant provisions shall apply concurrently; , (2) Where crime against sexual liberty (Arts. 620 and 621, 623 - 626, 628 and 639) is committed simultaneously with the crime against kinship (Art. 654), the relevant provisions shall apply concurrently. (3) In cases where a crime of indecent behaviour between relatives (Art. 655), is committed simultaneously with a crime against chastity (Arts. , 622 625, 627 and 628, 629-6~1, and 639), the

relevant provisions shall apply concurrently.

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382

Criminal Code Crimma' LiabiUty of a Minor.

Article 661.-

(1) Where tne vjctimto sexual outrage, to an act against chastity or to an unnatural carnal crime is a minor, he snaUnotbel1abfe to punishment. Appropriate measures for his proper upbringing and protection may be applied. (2) The general provisions of this Code (Arts. 52-56) shall apply to a minor who commits a crime against other persons.
BOOK VI CRfMESAGA4NSTPROPERTY TITLE I CRIMES AGAtNSTRiGHTS IN PROPERTY
CHAPTER I GENeRAL ~V1SIONS

Article 662.-

Principles.

(1) Any 4ntefferencewith property and economic rights or rights capable of. being calculated in money
forming a part of the property of another shall be punished in accordance with the following provisions.ex'Cept where the interference is of such minor importance as to be subject to the provisions and sanctions regarding petty offences. (2) State, public and private properties are protected under this Code. Damage to rights in property within the mean'jng of this Code. is constituted by any injury or prejudice suffered in comparison with the normalsitualion in the absence of the crime.

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Criminal Code Attiae,83.Ptlesumption Enrichment. of UNawful or

383 Unjustifiable

(1)Wfiere therequires, in order that there be a crime, that :the~ shaft have acted with.intent to obta'nfur~orto Pfocute for a third person an uniawfuI~,1here isa presumption that theaotwas,'ctoRe: m 4IOer,.to obtain or procure a Denefitoran.~ advantage. (2tm $UCA event, 1f1eorime is ~ from the time when $UCh special intent, joined to the material aIements, is proved, notwithstanding that the 4Rtended earichment has not taken place. Aepay8ent-tRe goOO.of1f1edamage, even if..UASOUCited. iiItef sueR .tme. does not vitiate the crime,Dutthe ..aou.tmay take account thereof in *-miRing4he-sentence,(Art. 79 (e)). AttiGle .eM.the Family.
PftK I ! dings _.UIe ventola Crime within

(1) Except in the cases of crimes jnvoMng violence or coemion,sucA4IS mbbery.~OfbtackmaU, where a .crimehas been committed: a) between'. ascendaftt aMa descendant, natura! or adopfive,;4Jetween .~notseparated, between a .step-parent and step-child while the marriage eDdsts,4.Ieiween,siOtingsofthe whole blood or of the half blood; or b~ byreAativesJivingwith the victim, proceedings may .oofybetaken upon the complaint of
the yicti{TI.

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384 I
,

Criminal Code

I (2)
I

The absence of a comPlain t by the victim shall not act as a bar to proceedings . against participants in a crime not covered by the personal relations as defined above (Art. 41). I CHAPTER II CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY

Section 1.- CRIMES AGAINST MOVABLE PROPERTY

Article 665.- Theft. (1) Whoever, with intent to obtain for himself or to procure for another an unlawful enrichment, abstracts a movable or a thing detached from an immovable, the property of another, whether by taking and carrying or by direct appropriation, or by having it pass indirectly to his own property, is punishable according to the circumstances of the case, with simple imprisonment, or with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years.

(2) Where the criminal himself has detached the movable object from an immovable property, and while so doing has caused damage to the movable or immovable property, the provisions of Articles 689-691 shall apply concurrently.
(3) Where any person has committed petty abstraction of the property of another of a very small value, he sh!ill be punishable according to the provisions -relating to petty offences (Arts. 852 and 853).

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Criminal Code Article 666.- Abstracting Power.

385

Whoever with intent to enrich himself or a third person abstracts power, whether gas, steam, electrical or other energy, from an installation or conduit belonging to another, 'is punishable, according to the circumstances oftha case, with'simple imprisonment, or with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding fiveyears. Article 667.- Abstraction of Things Jointly Owned: (1) Whoever, with intent to obtain or to procure to a third
~.

person an .unlawfulenrichment, abstracts a thing

which he owns jointly with another, whether as coowner, partner or heir, is punishable, upon complaint, with simple imprisonment or fine.

(2) The criminal may, however, not be convicted where consumable things are abstracted in an amount not exceeding that due:to him. Article 668.- , Abstraction to the Detriment of a' Deceased

Person.

Whoever, withiritent to obtain for himself or to procure for vanOther an unlaWful'enrich'ment, abstraCts objects buried with a deceased person from a tomb or 'vault, or from a d9'adbody, whethe'r buried or not, or abstracts the dead ,

bodyor one ofitsparfs,

is punishable according to the circumstances of the case, with simpleiniprisonment,or with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years.

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'

Article 669.- Aggravated Theft.

Simple imprisonment shall,' pe o,Lnot less. than one ,year, or rigorous imprisonment. if to be ordereq, shaU not exceed

fifteen years, according to the gravity of the Grime, in the foll.owingcaseswhere the act is aggravated by the object, the personal status of the c.riminal or the circurpstances surrounding the theft
(1) wheretha crime r~lates to: a) sacred or religious objects, or objects of scientific, artistic or histprical value,in places, of worship or mus,eulJ'ls or,o,ther public buildings or buildings open to the public; or b) animals or crops without speqial protection, or objects "or implements, without protection and destined for telecommunications, e,lectric power, water and sewerage or for the services of any other instih,Jtiop, ,'pr obj~c~s,goodsorcqnsignments in deposit pr in,a, fif[l1 gr publicoffiqe, in particular post offices or transport offic~s.
,

(2) where the crime has been committed: a) by a memp~r ,pI the DeJenq~ Fc<rrcas;ag;:linst his fellows or superiors, or against objeqts. belonging to or destined to the army; or b)bya publiGservant, or by, a, businessman,l;:Janker, attorney, notary, advocate.,) agent, r;epresentative or manager in the exerci~e, oLhis"function~,and 'relating Jo(>ubl,iG orprivatE;j<opjectsavailable to him by reason of his special status;,orc) by an innkeeper, landlord, carrier, porter or other , ,similarperson, againsha cli,ent;>or ,d) by a servant, emplpyee or f1a,pprenticectaking advantage qf his s.t~tus:..to Jheijdetriment oflhe employer. '

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,t , :'

387

(3) Woore the criminal: a) has acted. as a member ot a group formed to oommitC1rimes agafnstpersons Of property; or

b) in any other circumstances showing that he is especially dangerous, in particular where he carries;arms orhouse--breaking instruments, of assault or defence, where he has usurped the statusofa public servant, where he has acted at night, by ctimbingover or breaking in, with a group, or undercover of an emergency, public distumanceora disaster, such as a riot, a fire or a flood. Article 670.- Robbery. Whoever, with intent to obtain for himself or to procure for another an unlawful enrichment, and with a view to facilitate the aMtraction ofa movable object, the property of another, or to render useless any reststance offered duriftg or after the act of abstraction , uses ~.or98-veintimfdationtowards a person or ofhefw4se rendet$~ person:incapabte of resisting, is puntshable with. rigorous 'tmpriSonment not exceeding fifteen years. Article 671..A.nM."tH~obbery. (1)Wftefe.tne oRminaIhas committed.\he act specified . underArticfe~69: a) as a member of a gang formed in order to commit acts of ~ Clgamst persons or property; or

b) by ~ ~ htsvtctim with death in .paAiootafby.means of .am1S or of a. dangerous weapon, or by submitting him to suffering or . grave bodily injury; or

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Criminal Code
c) in any other circumstance showing that he is particularly dangerous, he.is.punishable with rigorous imprisonment from five years to twenty-five years. (2) The Court may order rigorous imprisonment for life, :or in the most serious cases, the death penalty, where the criminal has acted together with a gang, used arms or other dangerous weapons, means imperiling collective security or means of particular
. cruelty

or where the acts of violence committ~d

have resulted in permanent disability or death. Armed robbery committed habitually by a gang is punishable with death.

Article

672.-

Looting.

Whoever commits acts of looting: a) particularly of food, provisions, supplies, machines or property of special value to the life of the population or the. economy or progress of the country; or . b) on the occasion of distress on land, at sea or in the air, such as collision, forced landing or shipwreck, is punishable; according to the circumstances of the case, for ordinary or aggravated robbery (Art. 670 or .671).

Article

673.-

Piracy.

Whoever, at sea, commits an act of piracy, is punishable, according to the circumstances of the case, for ordinary or aggravated robbery (Art. 670 or 671).

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Criminal Code Article 674.Special Cases.

389

Robbery, looting or piracy committed in war time in breach of international law, are dealt with in accordance with the special provisions relating thereto (Art. 273).
Article 675.-

Breach of Trust.

(1) Whoever, with intent to obtain for hil]1self or to procure for a third person an unjustifiable enrichment, appropriates, or procures for another, takes or causes to be taken, misappropriates, uses to his own benefit or that of a third person, or disposes of for any similar act, in whole or in part, a.thing or a sum of money which is the property of another and which has been delivered to him in trust or for a specific purpose, is punishable, according to the circumstances of the case, with simple imprisonment, or with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years. (2) Property of another includes a sum of money, object or thing of value received by the criminal in consideration of a sum of money, object or thing of value. entrusted to him for sale, purchase, exchange or other specific purpose. (3) The intent to obtain for himself or to procure for a third person an unjustifiable enrichment shall be presumed whe.re.the criminal is unabl.e upon call, to produce or repay the thing or sum entrusted, or at the time when he should have returned it or accounted therefor.

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390 Article 676.CrimilllltCedill

Agg~.

nrll"''Jrust.

(1) Where the aimeis ~.lIIIiI.IMtagaiPlstl-le ~of the State or'''.' a pIIbIie'()Jg8~ or where 1he criminat, is a public fJIIicial.an appointee', 'or a public' trustee or a.uatecteG IefJ"reu IlK-the punishment.. tie rigoRJusimprisonrnet* fram, five years tc1'fifteen ~ andlne not eJICeedin!JORe hundred1b8usaild>BiJr. (2) The crime is ~
not less thartGfte year, or withrigoroos
fifteen yeaJS,,"':

wilbsimpte imprisonmeRt for

imprisGnmerIt not exceecting

a) thecrirnirr8 isa

.acuratDr, liquidator, legal "~. atkJmey, pFopeRy administrator; or any' oIher'~ to whom Ihe
or financial' advisol, responsibililes ; or

property, is.avaiabte by'"

.

Of.. duties er

b) the, criminal: has misused a 'signed blank documefll'entrostedi'to hittIt"iff order to create. an obligaticJA,' disdwge or any o18Ier ,act capabt& of imperiling Ie rights in ~ of the sigftatory; or c) the crime has been committed by a person making' an offer. to the pubtic t6 subscribe in order to obtain ior' himsetf or on behalf of a banking, comrnemet or indusmat 'company or other undertaking, the transfer, of funds or securities.
Articte fiT7~ Misuse.' Slale'crPublicPropedy.

(1) Whoever, without' intent to obtain for himself or to procure fo' a thim petSC)n'an lIf1jUstiIiaDteenrichment. intentiooatly:

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Criminal Ced8
a) improperty uses, lends, $e11s, transfers

391

to others,

exchanges or pledges or mortgages State or public property; or b) alienates, loses, endangeJs, wastes or damages
State Of pubOO propertyentrusted or

handed over

to him or to wtriqhe has access W Jeasf)ft of "is duties or power,

is punishate, aCCOJdirlgto the gJaVity of the case, with simpte imprisonment not exceedng five years.
(2) Where the act is' oornmitted~,.
shall be srmple

the punishment
one year.

impr)soornent not~eeding

. Article 678.-

Untawh,ltUseof 8lep,...,ay

ef Another.

Whoever, wfthou{ intem to unjustifiabty enrich hi~ or a third person, remOV8$.a thing from the Owner, in order to
deprive the owner thereof or to defraud him, or to make temporary use thereof for his own beneftt or tI1at of a. third person, is punishable, upon. complaint, with a fine not exceeding five thol{saoo Birr,. or, tn grave cases; with simple imprisonment not exceeding,one year.

Article 679.-

MisapPropriation.

Whoever, with intent to oPtairifor himself or to. procure for a third person an unjusUfiable enrichment, appropriates: a) a thing the propenyofanotnerandof whim he has come into possession' by mistake, accident, the operation of natural forces such as wind or water or in any other manner independenUy.otthe wiiot the owner; or b) an animal, the property of another, which was strayed into his possession,

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392

Criminal Code is punishable, upon complaint, with simple imprisonment or .

fine.

Article 680.-

Misappropriation of Lost Property.

(1) Whoever, without notifyingthe authorities or taking the necessary steps to trace the owner, appropriates lost property which he has found, is punishable, upon complaint, with a fine not exceeding five thousand Birr, or, according to the gravity of the case, with simple imprisonment not exceeding one year. (2) Whoever finds a treasure and appropriates it without making the necessary. declaration with a view to its assignment to the State as provided by the law, or the assignment of a part thereof to the property owner, is liable to the punishments prescribed under sub-article . (1).
Article 681.-

Misappropriation of Things without Owner or of Natural Resources.

(1) The ownership of things without an owner, such as natural resource~., as well as the taking on land, in the air or on water of wildanimals not the property of another, is governed by the provisions of civil and

publiclaw (Arts. 849 and 850).

(2) The misappropriation or abstracting, with intent to obtain an unlawful enrichment, of historical, archaeological or artistic objects being the property of the State is punishable under the ordinary provisions regarding theft or .breach of trust.

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Criminal Code Article 682.(1) Whoever
Receiving.

393

receives a thing, which he knows is the

proceeds of a crime committed against property by another, or acquires the thing, orreceives it on loan, as a gift, in pledge or in any manner whatever, or .consumes it, retains or hid~ it, resells it or assists in its negotiation,

is punishable with simple imprisonment, or in more serious cases, with rigorous imptisonment not exceeding five years, and fine~
(3) Whoever, within the meaning of the above provision, intentionally receives a sum or a thing arising out of the realization or replacement of a thing obtained through the commission of a crime, is liable to the punishments prescribed under sub-article (1).

(3) Where the act under sub-article (1) or (2) is committed negligently, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment not exceeding one year. (4) The sentencing of the accused is without prejudice to the sentencing of the original criminal. (5) The. provisions permitting the immunity of the principal criminal from charge by reason of kinship (Art. 664), or the mitigation of his punishment by reason .ofclose affection (Art. 83), do not apply to a receiver.

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394 Article 683.-

Criminal Code
Aggravated Receiving.

The deprivation of liberty shall not exceed fifteen years of rigorous imprisonment, and the fin~ shall pot exceed twenty thousand Birr, where thecrimirial:) a) commHsithecrime as a'member of a group formed to commit crimes against persons or property; or b) .exer~ises chis professional or trade license for the purpose,of cArrying ,onacts of r~iving; or c) receives objects which he knows come from acts of robbery, looting, piracy, extortion, blackmail, or objects taken from the Defence Forces or from State property in generaL

Article 684.-

Money LaUndering and Aiding.

(1) Whoever launders money or property, derived from corruption, dnig trafficking, megal arms dealings or crimes indicated under Article 243 (2) or (3), Article 262, (1) or (2), Article 455,(2),Article 506 (3) or (4), Articles 507-509,Article51Q (2), Article 511 (2) or (3) or (5), or Article 512, or any similar serious crime, by disguising its source through investment, transfer or remission, is ~ wiChrigorous 4mpris6nment from five years to, fifteen years, and fine not 'exceeding one hundred, thousand Birr.

(2)

Whoever, knowingly alters, remits, receives, possesses or makes "use, of money or property obtained through one of the' crimeS specified under sub-article (1), isliate tothepena.tyuAder sub-article (1).
commission of ,the crime specified under (1) or (2) above, fails to inform the appropriate authority, know the

(3) Whoever, knowing or having $(.Ifficientground to sub-article

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~

395
imprisonment not

is punishable with exceeding six months.

simple

(4) Whoever, knowing or suspecting the initiation of investigation. by the police or that it is about to initiate one relating to the crime under sub-article (1) or (2) that a report has been made. or that th~casehas been assigned tathe .concerned individual in accordance with internal regulations. informs or tips6ff the suspect Or any thitdperson, is punishaole with simple imprisonment for not lees than one year. (5) Whoever, knowing that such propertyls the proceeds of the crime indicated in sub-article (1) above, converts or transfers property for. the purpose of concealing or devising the illicit origin of the property or helps any person involv~d in the commission of the same crime, or conceals or disguises the true nature, source, location, disposition. movement or ownership of or rights with respect to the property,

is punishable with the.penalty provided for the crime under sub-article (1) above. (6) Where a juridical person participates in one of the crimes specified above, the punishment shall be determined in accordance with Article 90 of this Code.
(7) For the purpose of this Article .serious crime" is: a) where. the crime is punishable with rigorous imprisonment forten years or more, and

b) wh~re the amount of money or the value of

property involved thousand Birr. in the crime is at least fifty

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Section 11.- CRIMES AGAINST IMMOVABLE PROPERTY

Article 685.-

Damage to Property of Another, Caused by i' Herds or Flocks.

(1) Whoever. intentionally. and unlawfully brings or permjts his herds or flocks to pasture or stray on the land which is the possession of.another, whether in pasturages, fields, gardens, woods, forests or any
other land,
.

.is punishable, upon. complaint, with a fine not exceeding five hundred Birr, or with simple imprisonment not exceeding one year. (2) In minor cases, in particular in failing to exercise proper custody,. the provisions regarding petty offences shall apply (Art. 851 (b)).
Article

686.benefit,'

Disturbance of Possession.
I

" unlawfully,with intent to procure a profit or (1) Whoever

a) encroaches on or occupies land or buildings, the possession of another; or b) in any other manner, interferes with the quiet possession of another, is punishable, upon complaint, with fine or simple imprisonment.
(2) Where the disturbance has involved violence, threats or the collaboration of a large number of persons, or has been committed by a person carrying a dqngerous weapon, it shall be punished, upon indictment, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years.

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Criminal Code Article 687.Disturbance of Another's Holdings.

397

Whoeyer unlawfully,with intent to obtain or to procure to a third person a profitor benefit: a) modifies the condition of another person's immovable property or the fixtures appurtenant thereto; or b) diverts the,course of public or private waters, is punishable with simple imprisonment for not less than three months, and fine, or, according to the circumstances of the case, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years. Article 688.- Displacement and Removal of Boundary Marks. (1) Whoever, with intent to disturb the rights or property of another, or to obtain or to procure to a third person an unlawful benefit, removes, displaces,misplaces, falsifies or obscures a boundary mark or any other
mark of demarcation of property, is punishable, in accordance with the circumstances of the. case, with simple imprisonment five years. (2) Where the act has been. committed in the absence of the foregOing intent, the punishment shall be simple imprisol1ment not exceeding three months, or fine. , for not less than three months,. or with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding

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Section Article 689.-

111.-

DAMAGE TO PROPERTY

General Provisions.

Whoever, apart from the cases punishable under Article 685, intentionally destroys, damages, depreciates or renders useless the property of another, whether objects, implements, animals, trees, crops, agricultural productS, forests, installations, or any other immovable property or any thing whatsoever, or land -under his possession,
-

is punishable, upon complaint, with simple imprisonment or fine. Article 690.Aggravated Cases.

(1) The crime shall be punishable,- upon accusation, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding seven years and fine: a) where the criminal has acted through malice or with intent to cause harm and has so caused considerable damage, orwhere even. without that

particular intent, he has intentionally caused

-

highlyconsiderable damage; or b) where the act was accompanied by threats or violence or accomplished by several persons, particularly by employers or employees.- during conflicts, lock-outs'or strikes;

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(2) Where the property which the criminal destroyed or inflicted grave injury to is an object of worship or of high historic, scientific or artistic value; or a public

building, monument'or historical place unguardedon

.

account of the trust in public protection; or an instaUation,teiecommunication or EHectric power line, or a plantation, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years, or in very serious cases, rigorous imprisonment from ten years to twenty years. (3) Where
,

the crime

is committed

to compel the

government,a juridical person, a group or a natural

person to do or to abstain from doing an act, by resorting to threat of causing death or physical injury to another or of detaining another,
the penalty unde." sub-article (2) above shall apply.

Article 691.-

Aggravated Means.

Where the criminal, with particular intent. to destroy, damage,depreciate or render useless the property of another, has emp,oyed means endangering public security, such as landslide, flooding, explosion or fire, the relevant provisions prescribing for more severe punishments shall apply concurrently (Art. 66).

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Criminal Code

CHAPTER III CRIMES AGAINST RIGHTS IN PROPERTY

Section 1.-

CRIMES INVOLVING FRAUD

Article 692.-

Fraudulent Misrepresentation.

(1) Whoever, with intent to obtain for himself or to procure for a third person an unlawful enrichment, fraudulently causes a person to .act in a manner prejudicial to his rights in property, or those of a third person, whether such acts are of commission or omission, either by rnisleading statements, or by misrepresenting his 'status Or situation or by concealing facts which he had a duty to reveal, or by taking advantage of the person's erroneous beliefs,

is punishable with simple imprisonment, or, according to the gravity of the case, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years, and fine.
(2) Petty deceit in order to obtain an unjustifiable enrichment, such as filching and the fraudulent obtaining of benefits is liable to the punishments regarding petty offences (Art. 858 and 859).

Article 693.-

Drawing of Cheque without Cover.

(1) Whoever intentionally draws a cheque without cover or . presentment for payment,

knows that there will not be full cover at the time of

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Criminal Code

401

is punishable with simple imprisonment, or according to the gravity of the case, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years, and fine.
(2) Where the act is committed negligently, the punishment shall be fine, or simple imprisonment not exceeding one year.

Article 694.-

Fraudulent Manipulation of Stock Exchange Transactions.

Whoever, through the facility of a stock exchange market or other market, with intent to create a false or misleading appearance of active public trading in a security or with respect to the market price of a security: a) effects a transaction in the security that involves no
.

change in the beneficial ownership thereof; or

b) enters an prder for the purchase of the security, knowing that the security has been purchased by the same or different persons at substantially the same size, at substantially the sarne time, at substantially the same price, or an order for such purchase of the security has been or will be entered by or for the. same or different persons; or

c) enters an order for the sale of the security, knowing that the security has been sold by the same or different persons at substantially th.e same size, at substantially the same time, at substantially the same price or an order for such sale of the security has bee'; or will be entered by or for the same or different persons,

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402 CriminalCose is punishable, with simple imprisonment, or, in serious cases, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years.

Article 695.-

Gaming in Stocks or Merchandise.

Whoever, with intent to make gain or profit by the rise or fall in price of the stock goods or merchandise of a regi$tered or unregistered company or other undertaking, whether in or outside thec.country, makes or signs any contract, oral or written, purporting to be for the sale or purchase of shares of stocks,goods or merchandise, without the bona fide intention of acquiring or selling such thiflgs, , is punishable with simple imprisonment, or, in serious cases, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years.

Article

696.-

Aggravated Fraudulent

isrepresentation.

The punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding fifteen years, and fine not exceeding fifty thousand Birr: a) where the criminal enjoys a position of trust as defined in Article 676(1 ) and (2)(a); or b) where the criminal issues an offer for public subscription, or sells. for himself, for his own organization or for an organization in which he is a shareholder shares, debentures, bonds or security of any kind in an association, banking or commercial organization, stock market or industrial firm; or c) where the crime is committed against public administrations or services.

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Criminal Code Article 697.Other Crimes.

403

Where there is a crime, other than those mentioned

above, defined in a proclamation or regulation relating to shares, merchandise, documents, bonds or securities of any kind, the punishment shall, unless otherwise be provided, simple imprisonment, or, in serious cases, rigorous imprisonment notexceedin,g five years. Article 698.-

Fraudulent Acts Relating,to Insurance.

. (1) Whoever, with intent to obtain for himself or to procure fpra third Bsrson an uQI?wful enrichrT)ent, deceives an . in~urance cOmpany: . a) by creating the risk insured; or b) by concealing, misrepresenting, affirming or falsely declaring a fact relating 'to the amount, duration or beneficiaries of the insurance, in a manner affecting the interest stated in th~ contr,act, or .

c) in any' other way commits a fraudulent act' Gonnectionwith insurance.activity,

-<~" ""'.',: "

;.

;,

-,;t-,

,..

in

..

is pl,mi~hable,with,sil1)p.l~ imprisonmE:mt, or, in more serious caes, with ".rigorousimprisonment not ex~~eGljng five years,,'8nd (ine n9texceeding fifty thousand Birr. (2) Where a juridical person commits the crime it shall be

punishable in accordance with the prbVisions' of Article

.

90 of this Code.

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404

Criminal Code Misrepresentation by Forgery.

Article 699.-

Where there is misrepresentation, of any kind" committed by means of a forgery, the relevant provisions shall apply concurrently.

Article 700.-

Misrepresentation by Fraudulent Exploitation of Public Credulity.

(1) Whoever, for gain, deceives another by means such as invoking spirits, magic or sorcery, consulting horoscopes or astrology, by interpretation of dreams, soothsaying, chirography, divining or by any other means of exploiting

human credulity,

is punishable, upon complaint, with fine, or'in the event of repetition of. the crime... with simple imprisonment, or, in serious cases, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years, where the case does not fall under the provisions regarding petty offences (Art. 861). (2) Where the deceit is committed in the manner stipulated under Article 692, the p~nishmentprescribed under the specified prQvision;shall apply.,

Article 701.-

Other Fraudulent Acts'.

(1) Whoever collects money or material things by falsely claiming to have cont~acted a. serious, disease or deficiency, or alleging to have sustained grave physical or, psychologica.l injury or pecuniary or other material loss, or i!>yusing any other fraudulent means appealing to the compassionate feelings of others, is punishable, according to the circumstances of the case, with simple imprisonment and fine, or with. rigorous imprisonment nqt exceeding five years and fine.

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(2) Whoever employs another as a means of obtaining advantage through beggary by misrepresenting to the public that the said person is in one of the predicaments specified in the above sub-article, and collects money or other material things from individuals or the public on the pretext of supporting the person, shall be liable to the punishment prescribed insub-article (1) above.
\

(3) Whoever, by inflicting injury upon another, employs him for the purpose specified in sub-article (2) above, is punishable with rigorous years to teQ years, and fine. imprisonment from three

Nothing in this sub-article shall prevent the concurrent application of the provisions on causing injuries to persons (Art. 548 and 549). (4) Whoever collects with or without authorization by law or by the competent authority, any money or other material things from individuals or the public for political, religious, cultural, social, humanitarian or other purpose, and improperly disposes of such things in whole or in part outside the purpose for which they are collected, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years, and fine not exceeding thirty thousand Birr, without prejudice to the provisions of Article 862 of this Code concerning Unauthorized Collection. t5) Where a juridical person participates in the commission of one of the crimes specified under sub-article (2), (3), or (4) of this Article, it shall be punishable in accordance with Article 90 of this Code.

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406 Article 702.Criminal Code Mismanagement of Private Interests.

(1) Whoever, being legally or contractually bound to watch over or to manage the property rights of another, intentionally causes prejudice to such property interest he watches over or to the service he renders to the undertaking he works for by misusing his powers or by failing in his duties, is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine. (2) Where the act is committed negligently, the punishment shall be fine, or simple imprisonment not exceeding six months. (3) Where the criminal has committed the crime with intent to obtain for himself or to procure for another a benefit in property, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment for not less than one year, and a fine not exceeding thirty thousand Birr. Article . 703.Aggravated Cases.

(1) Where the crime has been committed: a) by a tutor, an advocate, a. not~ry, a banker, a curator or a liquidator, or by any other person invested with an official status, or deserving a special confidence; or b) against State or public property, the pldfi.ishment shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years,' and fine not exceeding fifty thousand Birr. (2) Where the criminal solicits or accepts any kind of advantage from another in consideration for the performance or omission of an act in violation of his responsibility or duty, he shall be punishable with simple imprisonment for .not less than one year, or rigorous imprisonment not exceeding seven years and fine not exceeding twenty thousand Birr.

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In grave cases, the punishment shall be rigorQus imprisonment for not less than five years, and fine not exceeding one hundred thousand Birr. (3) Any person who, for the performance of an act proper to his responsibility or duty, solicits or obtains an advantage or exacts a promise beforeor after the performance of such an act, is punishable, according to the circumstances of the case, with simple imprisonment for not less than one year, or with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years and fine not exceeding ten thousand Birr. (4) In the case of fraudulent mismanagement of State interests, corrupt practices or acceptance of undue advantage committed by a public servant or official, the special provisions (Arts. 409, 410 and 412) shall apply. Article 704.Incitement to Speculation.

(1) Whoever, with intent to obtain for himself or to procure for a third person a benefit in property, takes advantage of the carelessness, the confidence or the manifest business inexperience of a person in order to incite him to speculate, whether on securities or goods, while he knew that the transaction was flagrantly not in proportion to the holding of the speculator and would expose him to serious risk, is punishable, upon compl~int, with simple imprisonment or fine. ' (2) Where the crime is committed punishable with fine. negligently, it shall be

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408

Criminal Code Incitement of Incapable Persons to carry out Prejudicial Assignments.

Article 705.-

(1) Whoever, with the intent specified in Article 704, takes advantage of the carelessness, confidence or inexperience of a minor or a person who is legally incapable,
.

a) in order to obtain a grant, promise or guarantee in his own favour or in favour of a third person, of sums of money, loans, acknowledgements of debt

or other benefits in property; or

b) in general, to obtain or avoid an assignment so as to prejudice his property or that of a third person, is punishable, upon complaint, with simple imprisonment or fine. (2) Whoever, with a similar intent, obtains such a promise, claim or guarantee and sets it up against or assigns. it to another, is liable to the same punishments.

Section n:Article 706.-

Computer Crimes

Access, Taking or Using Computer Services without Authorization.

(1) Whoever, without authorization, accesses a computer, computer system or computer network, is punishable with fine. (2) Whoever, without authorization, accesses a computer, computer system or computer network, and intentionally takes or uses or causes to be used data or computer services,

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is punishable with simple imprisonment or fine, or in serious cases, with rigorous imprisonment for not more than five years and fine not exceeding twenty thousand Birr.

(3) Where, the crime is committed negligently, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment not exceeding three months, or fine not exceeding two thousand Birr.
Article 707.Causing Damage to Data.

(1) Whoever, without authorization, accesses a computer, computer system or .computer network and intentionally causes damage by adding, altering, deleting or destroying data, is punishable with simple imprisonment far not less than three montHs, or fine. (2) Where the crim~is committed: (a) in order t6 devise or execute any sc}1eme or artifice to ste'al, defraud, 'deceive or extort or wrongfully'contrc;>Lor obtain, money, property,

computer services or any data; or

. '

(b) ,in serious cases even in the absence of the scheme providectfpr ul;'lcf.~r sub-a,rticle 2 (a), ' be the punishment shall' rigorous imprisonment for not more than five years, and fine not exceeding twenty thousand Birr.

(3) Where the crime is" co~mitted negligently,. the punishment shalr be simple imprisohm'ent not exceeding three months, or fine not exceeding two thousand Birr.

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410

Criminal Code Disrupting the Usa of Computer Services by an Authorized User.

without authorization, accesses a

Article 708.-

(1) Whoever,

computer, computer system or computer network,

and intentionally disrupts the use of the computer by an .authorized user;' is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding three years or fine.
(2) Where the crime is committe'd negligently, the punishmElt:lt shall be, simple imprisonment not exceeding three, months,()r fine not exceeding two tl10usand Birr.

Article 109.-

"Acts ,Commjt\ed. to Facilitate Commission of Computer Crinics,

the

Whoever, vyithinteht to f!-l~herthe commission of one of

th~, actssp~cIfied in the preceding three Articles, impbrt~!'produces" 's~!Is',()ffers . f.orsale, distributes, buys,'r~.ceives or po~sessesjnstrun)ents, secret Codes . ',,' " orpasswotds, "
.ispUr'lisJiablElWithsimple im~risonment or fine or
,

both.

',' '

Article 710>

pth,er Grimes.

Where one of the other crimes provided; fot under this

Code is committed by means of a computer, the relevant provision shall apply.

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Criminal Code Article 711.Concurrence of Crimes.

411

Where any crime committed by means of a computer, has. resulted in the commission of another crime punishable under this Code, the relevant provision shall apply concurrently.

Section 111.Crimes Involving Moral or Material Intimidation

Article 712.Usury..

(1) Whoever,

by exploiting a person's reduced circumstances or dependency, material', difficulties, or carelessness, inexperience, weak character or mind: a) lends him money at a rate exceeding the official rate; or b) obtains a promise or assignment of benefits in property in exchange for pecuniary or other consideration, which is in evident disproportion, shall be punishable, according to the gravity of the case, with simple imprisonment, or with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years, and fine.

(2) Whoever, with a similar intent, acquires an usurious claim and sets it up against or assigns it to another, shall be liable to the same punishments. Article 713.- Extortion. Whoever, in cases not. amounting to robbery (Art. 670), uses violence or grave threats against a person, or in any other manner renders such person un.ableto resist, in order to obtain for himself or to procure to a third party an unjustifiable benefit in propertY, whether by an assignment of funds or securities, documents or writing, executing or evidencing the transaction, disposition or .discharge, or any other similar benefit, .

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years,and fine.
Article 714...

shall be punishable. according to the gravity of the case. with simple imprisonment for not less than three months, or with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five .

Blackmail.

Whoever causes a person to purchase silence to the detriment of his estate or that of another, by threatening to publish, divulge or denounce a fact, even if true, the knowledge of which is damaging to himself or to a third party with whom the victim has close ties of relationship or affection, shall be liable to the penalties specified in the preceding Article 713.

Article 715... Aggravated Ca$e$. The punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment not
exceeding ten years and fine not. exceeding ten thousand ~irr, where a person accused of waury, extortion or blackmail,
a) wrongfully exercises a profession, duty or trade for

which he has received a license or permission from the public authorities; or b) commits thecrime against infants or young persons, or persons whQ are of feeble mind, or incapable of understanding; or c) having so to~n:. has induced his victim to ruin or suicide by hi.s acts or their repetition.

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TITLE II
ECONOM'IC AND COMMERCIAl.. CRIMES

Article 716.- Participation of a Juridical Person in a Crime.

(-1) Where a juridical' person takes part in the commission of one of the crimes specified in this Title in the manner provided under Article 34 of this Code, It shall be punishable, depending on the nature of the crime, in accordance with the provisions of Article 90. (2) Where the manag.er, attorney,. member, administrator or member of the controlling; or winding-up authority of a juridical, person takes part in the commiss.ion of a crime according. to sub~article (1) above due to his position in its management, he' shan be punishable in accordance with the relevant provisions of this nne.

(3)

Nothing in this Article' shall affect the provisions of Article 143.

CHAPTER I CRIMES AGAINST INTANGfStE RIGHTS

Article 717

Attack on Another.s Credit.

(1) Wroever, maliciously or with intenttocause

damage, seriously injures, Or compromises the credit of another by statements or imputations he knows. to be false,

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414 Criminal Code is punishable, upon complaint, with a fine of not less than one thousand Birr, or simple imprisonment for not less than three months. (2) The provisions regarding calumny (Art. 613(3)) may not be applied concurrently with the provisions of this Article.

Article 718.- Harmful False Information.

Whoever, being in a position to know the state of affairs of an undertaking, .a commercial firm or a cooperative, whether as founder, member, manager, director, attorney, member of a board of directors or audit, or a liquidator, intentionally gives or causes to be given

essential and untrue information,whether in notices to

the public, orin proposals or reports to a general meeting, is punishable, upon complaint, with a fine of not less than one thousand Birr, or simple imprisonment for not less than three months.

Article 719.-

Unfair Competition.

Whoever intentionally commits against another, an abuse of economic competition by means of direct or any other process contrary to the rules of good faith in business, in particular: (a) by discrediting anqther, his goods or dealings, his activities of business or by 'making untrue or false statements as to his own goods, dealings, activities or business in order to derive a benefit therefrom against his competitors; or b) by taking measures such as to create confusion with the goods, dealings or products or with the activities or business of another; or

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415

c) by using inaccurate or false styles, distinctive signs, marks or professional titles in order to induce a belief as to his particular status or capacity; or d) by granting or offering undue benefits to the servants, agents or assistants of another, in order to induce them to fail in their duties or obligations in their work or to induce them to discover or reveal any secret of manufacture, organization or working; or e) by revealing or taking advantage of such secrets obtained or revealed in any other manner contrary to good faith, is punishable, upon complaint, with a fine of not less than one thousand Birr, or simple imprisonment for not less than three months.
Article 720.Infringement of Marks, Declarations of Origin, Designs or Models.

(1) Whoever intentionally:

a) infringes, imitates or passes off, in such manner as to deceive the public, another's mark or distinctive signs or declarations of origin on any produce or goods or their packing, whether commercial, industrial or agricultural; or b) sells or offers for sale, imports or exports, distributes or places on. the market produce or goods under a mark which he knows to be infringed, imitated, passed off or improperly affixed; or c) refuses to declare the origin of produce or goods in his possession under such marks,
shall be. punishable exceeding ten years. with rigorous imprisonment not

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{2} Whoever unlawfully so acts with respect to If'ltellectuai property rights, particuVarty industrial designs or models, or patented inventions or processes, duly registered and protected by existing laws or agreements, national Or International, shall be liable to.the same punishments. (3) Where the act mentioned under sub-article (1) or (2)

is committed negligently ,.the . punishment shall be

simple imprisonment not exceeding .fiveyears.

Article 721.-

Infringement of Rights Relating te Literary,

Artistic or Creative Works.

(1) Whoever,. apart from cases 'punishable more severely by another provision of the this Code, intentionally violates laws, regulations or rules issued in relation to rights on literary, artistic or creative works, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding ten years. (2) Where, the act is committed negligently, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment not exceeding.five years. Articfe 722.- Right of Complaint. Where the crimes in this Chapter are pUnist;\ableupon complaint,. only the patserl. or professional association injured.shalf have the right to'make the complaint.

Article 723... Aggravated Cases.

Where

one.. of thei. crimes provided in this Chapter is committed to further the commission of fraudulent misrepresentation, the punishrnant provided for the latter shaHapply concurrently.

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417
./ .

Ie 7~.." "elt:lt,,,.Sanction.. Apt}rt'fom the p~n~1sanction angany civilcl~im,the Court shall ord~r th~ confiscation of the obj~ts, goods or works wMichare infringeOlEmts ~$ well as of the proceeds. of sale or p~rfQrm.nc~. Th$ j4<:i9m~nt shalt be g',,~n the necessary PublicitybYthe Court'

CttAPTIi!R

It

CAlMeS Rit,.A'ftNG TO PROCBE[)INGS OF DEBT, exeOUTlQ" ANI) fitANI<FU)PTQV 'ticle 725... fralldlllellt 1"'Q'ven~.', WhC;)e~F intentlonally c.once~l~ the fact that he is insatvent ~I'\d o'ootraOt$ all ~lgatiQn kn(\wing that he is unable or lJnv.'ilUng to eXE)out.e it,

shalt be. P4ni~hable, up)nc.omplaint with a fine not exceeding fifty Birr, or with simple . thQU$cU1d
impeis.anment."

~rtlote 72Q...' Irregylar BankrllP'cY.

(1) A debtor whQ.has caus~ his own If\sQ!vency or who has intentionaUYa~vated it by acting wi.th cUlpable lack' of foresight, or W.th gf~S negligence or mismanagement. in tAe exercise of hi.sprofession, whether bYfailingto keep proper books or accounts, by inci:J,rring ~xC~$si\leexp~ncti1ur~or by hazardous $p~Qula1tQn or in any oth~r m~l'mer, sha.1lbe punls,hable with simple imprisonment

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(2) Where the act is committed negligently, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment not exceeding six months, or ,fine not exceeding five thousand Birr. (3) Proceedings may be taken against a debtor not registered in the commercial registry only upon a complaint by the creditor, to be brought within three months from the delivery of the declaration of default. (4) A creditor who caused a debtor to act with lack of foresight or negligence, resulting in insolvency, or who acted towards him with usury, may not bring a complaint against such debtor.
Article 727.Fraudulent. Bankruptcy.

(1) A debtor adjudged bankrupt who has intentionally disposed of his assets to the prejudice of his creditors, a) either materially, whether by assigning or by destroying, damaging, depreciating or rendering useless certain property forming a part of such . assets; or b) fictitiously, whether by removing or concealing property, by relying on or recognizing non-existent debts or claims or by inciting a third party to make fictitious claims, or in any other manner pretending that his estate is less than it is in fact, in particular by means of incorrect accpunting, falsified correspondence or a false balance sheet, shall be punishable with simple imprisonment for not less than six months. (2) In serious cases where the damage was of particuJar gravity or was imposed upon the Defence Forces, or a public undertaking or service, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding eight years.

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(3) A third party who has committed such acts to the prejudice of the creditors shall be punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding three years. (4) Where the acts of the criminal amount to fraud, the relevant provisions shall apply concurrently.
Article 728.Fraud in Execution.

(1) A debtor subject to proceedings by wayof execution against whom a. declaration of default has been delivered, and who with intent to prejudice his creditors has reduced his assets, whether materially or fictitiously as provided in Article 727, shall be punishable with simple imprisonment, or, in grave cases, with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years. (2) A third party who has so acted to the prejudice of the creditors shall be punishable with simple imprisonment.

Article 729.- Misappropriati9n or Destruction of Property Subject to Pledge or Lien.

(1) Any debtor who, with, intent to obtain for himself or to . procure for a third person abenefit,or, to cause damage to his creditor, remove.s, assigns, damages, depreciates or renders, useless his property, whether movable or immovable, and which was held by the creditor by way of pledge, usufruct or lien, is punishable less than one year. with simple imprisonment for not

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Criminal Code
. " c '..~'~ -'.~' .' .~' -.co '

(2) Any third person who sO acts with the same intent to the prejudice of the creditors is punishable with simple impriSOnment not exceeding three years, or fine not exceeding fifty thousand Birr. Article 130... Misappropriation or Destruction of Property
'

Subject to a Order.

(1) Whoever, to the prejudice of his creditors, improperly

appropriates or uses property under seizure

01'

sequestration, listed in a bankruptcy, or in a docUrrui!nt evidencing a lien, ordesttoys, damages, depreciates or tenders such property useless, ,

is punishablewithsimpleimprisonment.
(2) A third person who so acts to the prejudice of the creditors, is punishable with simple Imprisonment or fine. (3) Where the acts punished under this Article are performed solely to the detriment of the creditors, Article 439 of this Code may not be ~pplied concurrently.
Article 731...

Unjustifiable Preference.

Any debtor who, having been adjudged bankrupt or having'given a declara.tion 'of defaUlt, and knowing himself to be ihsolvent, 'has preferred certain of his creditors to the prejudice of the others, in particular: a) by 'paying 'debts not due or bY paying debts at maturity other than in cash or by the customary securities; or b) by giving on his own account security for a debt when not bound so to do; or c) in any other similar manner, is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding three years. '

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Article 732.-

P.urchaseof Votes.

(1) Any debtor who, in order to o.btain a favourable vote of one .of his creditors or a composition by the Court, grants or promjs~$ particular advantages: a) to that creditor or to his representative in a general
. .. meetIng; or .. ....d

b) to a rnember.of the administration or winding-up in

,

a bankruptcy,
is punishable with .$impleImprisonment not exceeding three years. (2) A third person whoso, acts in favour o.fthe debtor, or any pers.on who. with the same intent causes such an advantage to. be granted .or promised to. him, is liable to.the same punishments. Article 733.Fraudulent Composition.

(1) Anydebt.or who, in .order to. obtain a scheme .of arrangement or .the ratificatio.n.ofa co.mpo.sitionby the Co.urt, miSleads his credito.rs, the co.mmissio.ner in bankruptcy .or the competent autho.rity,as to his financial po.sitio.n,in particular by means ofinco.rrect .or falsified acoounts, oorrespondence .ora balance sheet, is punishable with simple impriso.nment (2) A third person Who.so. acts in favour .ofthe debto.r is liable to.the same punishment.

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PART III CODE OF PETTY OFFENCES BOOK VII GENERAL PART

TITLE I DIRECTIVES GOVERNING LIABILITY TO PUNISHMENT CHAPTER I SCOPE OF THE LEGAL PROVISIONS Article 734.-. Reference to General Principles. this Book state general part of offences, due of the lawl (Art.
.

Except in cases where the provisions of otherwise, the principles and rules of the the Criminal Code shall' apply to petty regard being had to the spirit and nature

3, Par. 2).
Article 735.Petty Offences.

A person commits a petty offence when he infringes the mandatory or prohibitive provisions of a law or regulation issued by a competent authority or when he commits a minor offence which is not punishable under the Criminal Law, and such infringement or minor offence is subject to punishment under the provisions below (Arts.

746-775).
Article 736.(1)

Application as to Off~nce. In accordance with the principle of legality (Art. 2 (1 to 4)), petty offences by the provisions of this Code or by a special .provision are alone liable to punishment and the penalties applicable shall be . those which are expressly prescribep in respect thereof.

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423

Such provisions are enforceable only if the act

imposing a more
.

does not fall under an express provision

severe

penalty.

One and the same act cannot be punished both under the provisions of the Criminal Code and the Code of Petty Offences (Art. 2(5.

(2) Petty offences shall always be punished under the provisions in force at .the time of their commission, and there shall be no retrospective effect as to their application (Art. 5). . Upon the coming into force of this Code, its provisions shall apply to all petty offences mentioned in.the Special Part of this Code. ~rtlcle 737.-

Equality before the Law.

The provisions relating to petty offences shall apply to all petty offenders alike without discrimination (Art. 4).

rticle 738.-

Application as to Place.

(1) Petty offences shall be deemed to have been committed at the place where the offender acted or had the legal obligation to act (Art. 25). They shall be governed as a rule by the principle of territoriality

(Art. 11).

(2) Petty offence~ committed in Ethiopia shall always be tried in accordance with Ethiopian law when the petty offender is in Ethiopia. They shall give rise neither to delegation (Art. 12) nor to extradition (Art. 21 ).

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(3) Petty' offenrescommittedin a' foreign country by an Ethiopian or against an Ethiopian subject (Art. 18) shan not be punished in Ethiopia: Petty offences committed in a foreign country by
c

an Ethiopian enjoyingimmunity .(Art.14) shan not

be punished in Ethiopia.

(4) Petty offences of a purely military character provided by Ethiopianmifitary law {Art.792) shan always be tried .by the military authority and punished according to Ethiopian law whether they were committed in Ethiopia or incaforeign country. If, however, the doer was already tried for the same aclby a foreign Court a fresh penalty may be dispensed with. Article 739.Foreign Sentences.

Convictions'or sentences passed on petty offences by a foreign Court shall not be taken into consideration for the assessment of sentence as regards crimes or petty offences tried by EthiQpianGo4rts(Art. 22).
CHAPTER II LlABIJ,..ITY TO PUNISHMENT

Article 740.-

Punishable Acts and. Persons.,

(1) In the matter of petty offences preparatory acts and

attempts shall not be punish'able.

(2) Ukewise, incitement, complicity and being acce~

after the fact are not liableto punishment.Thefpetty

offender (Art.32) shall alone be punishable.

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(3) In the matter of petty offences a juridical person Is not punishable for incitement or complicity; it is punishable only when its official or employee violates laws, regulations or directives as a petty offender in accordance with Article 32 of this Code.
(4) The provisions relating to petty offences shall apply

also to young persons within the meaning of the Criminal Code (Arts. 52~55). (5) The relevant provisions of the Crimihar Code relating to crimes committed through mass media (Arts. 4247) are applicable to petty offences.

Article 741.-

Conditions for liability to punishment.

(1) The provisions of the Criminal Code ooncerning criminal responSibility and irresponsibility (Arts. 4850) shall apply to petty offences. (2) Any person shall be punishable whether he contravened the law intentionally or negligently (Arts. 57 .~ 59) save in cases where the law expressly exempts fro'm liability to punishment in respeot of an act committed by negligenoe.
(3) Responsibility offences shall ....~. 88). and liability to punishment always beindividual(. for petty

Arts. 41 and

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Article 742.- Measures for Purposes of Clarification. Measures for the taking of expert advice and the carrying out of enquiries provided in respect to ordinary crimes (Arts. 51 and 54) shall be ordered only if questions as to the petty offender's responsibilitycannot otherwise be decided by the Court. Article 743.- Justification and Excuses. (1) The provisions governing lawful acts (Art. 68), the performance of a legal, official or professional duty (Art. 69), consent of the victim (Art. 70), ab~olute coercion (Art. 71), necessity (Art. 75) ~nd selfdefence (Art.78), shall apply to petty offen6es. In cases of resistible coercion or excess of necess.ity or self-defence the petty offender shall be punishable but the Court shall reduce the penalty withinthe limitsauthorized by law (Art.766). (2) In the case of a hierarchical order the subordinate shall. not be punishable if he obeyed a person of higher rank acting within his authority and did not exceed the order received. The person who gave the order shall be fully responsible therefor (Art. 73). The subordinate shall be responsible for any conscious and intentio'nal excess in the performance of the order received. Article 744.Mistake.

(1) He Whocommitted a petty offence may not plead as justification ignorance of the law or a mistake as tc
right (Art. 81).

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(2) If. he acted under a proven mistake of fact which excluded knowledge or intention -.to commit an
offence he shall not be liable to punishment (Art 80). Extenuating and Aggravating Circumstances.

Article 745.-

(1) Where a person guilty of. a petty offence acted in extenuating circumstances as provided by the Criminal Code (Art. 82 and 83), the Court may take such circumstances. into account..by reducing the penalty or altering its nature as provided hereafter (Art. 766). (2) Where the petty offender acted in 'aggravating circumstances as provided by the Criminal Code (Arts.' 84 and8S) the Court shall increase the penalty as provided hereafter (Art. 767-770). (3) Where there exists a combination of extenuating and aggravating circumstances, the Court shall have due regard to both in determining the penalty (Art. 189). TITLE II
RULES GOVERNING
.

PENALTIES

CHAPTER I PENALTIES AND MEASURES APPLICABLE Section 1.-

Principal Penalties

Article 746.-

Exclusion of Ordinary Criminal Penalties.

(1) Petty offences 'shall. not be punished with rigorous or simple imprisonment .prescribed for ordinary crimes. Petty offences differ from ordinary crimes by reason of the different penalties they merit.

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(2) The only penalties which may be imposed for petty offences are those specified in the following provisions subject to the special forms of punishment applicable to military petty offenders or young persons. (3) In cases where protective or therapeutic measures should be prescribed in the general interest, in particular in respect to irresponsible persons (Arts. 130 and 131), the Court shall inform the competent administrative authority (Art. 154).

Article 747.-

Arrest.

(1) Arrest is the only penalty involving deprivation of liberty which may be imposed in the case of petty offences. The duration of such arrest shall be of one day at
least and of three months at most, subject to cases
.

of recidivism (Art. 769) and cases where special provisions of the law provide a higher maximum. The Court shall determine the penalty taking into account the degree of guilt of the petty offender (Art. 88) without going below the special minimum or beyond the special maximum where such periods are fixed by law. (2) The provisions on conditional release (Arts. 201207) shall not apply to arrest

Article 748.-

-Enforcement of Ordinary Arrest.

(1) Ql:dinary. arrest shall be .. undergone in special

premises .for detentionattaphed to Courts or police stations. Convicts shall be separated according to sex.

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429 be

No person sentenced to..arrestshal1

detained in penitentiary or corrective institutions nor confined with prisoners sentenced for crimes to imprisonment (Art. 746 (1)).

(2) A person sentenced to arrest shall. not be compelled to work nor be entitled to remuneration (Art. 111). He may receive food, mail and visitors from outside to the extent compatible with the tranquility Clndgeneral good order of the place of detention. Ie 749.Arrest in a Home or an EstabUshment.

(1) When personal or local conditions 'seem to justify :sucha measure the Court may order that arrest shall, subject to adequate control or safeguards, be undergone. either in the home of the person sentenced or in the home of a reliable person or in a lay or religious community designed for the purpose.

(2) Permission to leave home may, apart from cases of force majeure, be granted excepUonally and by decision of the Court only for the performance of j religious duties, the consultation of a physician, or j for receiving indispensable medical care or j appearing before a judicial authority, and then only j for such time as is strictly necessary.

j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j j

j
A person. sentenced to home arrest shalj provide for his own up-keep.

j j

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430

Criminal Code Special Method of Enforcement in case of Members of the Defence Forces and Young Offenders.

Article 750.-

(1) Arrest imposed upon members of the Defence Forces by reason of failure to discharge their military duties (Art. 792) shall be determined in accordance with military regulations and undergone under military discipline and control in the. premises used for this purpose. (2) Young persons sentenced to arrest shall undergo their punishment either by school or home arrest under the conditions provided for their case (Art. 161) or, when this is impracticable, under the supervision of an institution, a cha.ritable organization or a reliable person appointed by the Court. Arrest in their case may be served at different times: Provided that no period of arrest shall be for less'than three hours and the total period shall not exceed fifteendays. Article 751.-Compulsory Labour In Substitution for Arrest. (1) In cases where the penalty of arrest can be pronounced the Court may, if the circumstances or the conditions of enforcement so justify, replace this penalty by a term of compulsory labour of equivalent duration, with or without restriction upon liberty, coupled with a deduction from the petty offender's earnings for the benefit of the State (Art. 103 and 104). The duration and the amount of money to be deducted shall be fixed by the Court in its judgment.

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(2) These provisions shall not apply to- memb~rs 01the Defence Forces on active service, nor to young persons.

Article 752.-

Fine; Ordinary Case.

(1) Fine,. n;lay be between one Birr and three hundred Birr, except in cases of recidivism (Art. 769) and
where the law provides a higher maximum. Where the petty offender acted for gain the fine may be increased to"Jive hundred Birr, without prejudice to aggravation in cases of recidivism. In dete~mining the )ine the Court ,shall take into accountthe financia.1 state of the petty offender, as well as the gravity of the petty offence and the gegree of guilt (Art. 90).

(2) A fine may be imposed in addition to. arrest, where circumstances justify, in particular where the law provides these penalties as alternative. penalties or where the petty offender acted for gain (Arts. 91 and 92). . (~) The Court may grant the convicted person time for payment not exceedingJhree months (Art. 93), and may allow payment by instalments. When circumstances so justify, the Court may extend the period upto a maximum period of one year. A person sentenced to pay a fine may be permitted to pay the fine by performing work of an equivalent mOl"letaryvalue (Art. 95). (4) The penalty shall be onlyfinein respect of a juridical person. Subject to the provisions. of Articles 768 and 770,fine may be between ten. Birr and cPne
thOl~sand and two hundreQ Birr. . J

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ArticJ~ 7~3.-

CQ.nv~r$i9nof Fi.neintoCompYJ$ory'l..abQur.

(1) In the ~v~nt of non-payment of th~ fine within the fix~d p.~riod of tjm~. th~ Court shall order the c::pnv~rsipn of th~ fin~1pr pfsuch part of th~ fine a~ r~mainedUnpaid, into compulsory workp$rformed fr~elyor with restriction on libertY. tQQetherwith a deduction for the b~nefit of the State.' (4) Tti~ .Court $hall d$'termirje th~duration of the comp~nsatPry t~rm on:-the basis of the relevant gen$ral provi$ions (Arts. 96 "and j()3). Article 754... Recovery of Fine; Sp'E!Cial Ca$e.of Member$ of the Defef'lc-eForCe$or Voul1gPer$ons. (1) Wh~re a member of the Defence Forces has committ~d an pffence und~r ttl~ ordinary law th~ Court may, to r~cov~r a fin~or pa,rt thereof, ord~r .th~ m~mb~r's 'pay to cover the'fine or part thereof remaining unpaid. The deduction may not exceed a quarter of the member's pay exc~pt with his ccmsent, It shall be fix~d' by the. Court in. Qonsult~tion with the responsible military authorityofth~ convicted person,
.

tl1at deductions

be made for .'1'4 sp$Cifj~q period from

(2) In'the case of a YOLJng petty offend~r the fine shall b~'fixed by the Court within apprppriate limits. taking into special ~ccpunt ,the gravity of the peUy off~nce, his mat~fialcircumstances and th~ degree of ne~d for the warning constitut~d.byth~ penalty. Wher~ th~ young petty pffenderintentionally falls to Pay the fjn~ the GourtshaH ConVertthe fin~ intoem$stfof young p~rsons on such conditionsas
it consider$ appropriat~ in th~ circumstances.

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433
,::u..c'"

Article

155....

Reparation

of the Carnage.

Nothing shall affect the reparation of the moral or material c6mpehsation for the dathMe caused by the

offence to the h'1jUred patty (Arts. 101 anti 1(2), Where

the circumstances of the case justify.
P~halties

Section

11.-

SecQndary

Article 756...

Warr1lng and Reptoof.

(1) A Warning, reproof, reprimand or the making of amends (Art. 122} may be imposed by the Court in addition to a penalty of arrest, compUlsoly work or fine. (2) The Court may substitute thS above mentioned penalty for. the principal penalty in the case of (\1xtenulitirlg circumstances or minor offences. Article 751.Exclusion of ForfeitJjre of Rights.

(1) Incase of peUY offences forfeiture of civic or farnily

rights or rights to discharge an office. or exercise of profession (Art. 123) may not be ordered. (2) No order may be made for reduction ili'rank and exclusion from the Defence Forces (Art. 127) on a solider: Who has committed Ii petty offence.
Section III...

saiety Measures

Article 758... Guarantee of Goodboriduct. (1) A guarantee for good behaviour (Art. 134) can only be c::)I'dered hi cases of repeated petty offences again$tpubliG orderortranquilityj,or the safety of prnSon$ or things; andottly where theqornmission. of further offences is probable.

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Criminal Code
The guarantee shall not exceed one year.

(2) Where an petty offender who is able to provide guarantee refuses to provide one, arrest (Art. 748) for a period not exceeding fifteen days, or, where the petty offender is a soldier military arrest (Art. 750) shall be ordered. This period cannot be extended.

Article 759.-

Confiscation and Forfeiture to the State.

(1) Confiscation of objects or material means endangering security, order, health or decency, or intended. to facilitate, or to be used for the commission of an offence, or which have been used for the commission of an offence (Art.140) may be ordered by the Court if such confiscation appears to be justified in addition to the principal penalty. where public safety so requires (Art. 141). (2) The Cour(may order forfeiture to the State of such objects and means(A~. 100).
-

It may be ordered as a preventive measure

Article 760..

Prohibition of Undertakings and Suspension of a Work Permit.

Withdrawal of a license (Art. 142), closing of an establishment or suspension of its activity (Art. 143), whether total- or partial, may be ordered only as a temporary measure in case of repeated petty offences connected with the use of a license or the management of an establishment.
In no case may these measures be imposed for a period exceeding six months. The Court shall determine their
duration and scope. T

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435

Principal Cases Where Confiscation and Suspension are. Applicable.

The measures of confiscation to the State, withdrawal of a license, suspension or closing of an establishment shall be ordered in cases of: (a) fiscal or administrative matters (Arts. 784-791); (b) press and publication matters (Arts. 804 and 812); (c) control of firearms and ammunition, fire, explosive or dangerous substances (Arts. 808 and 829); (d) control of inns and places of entertainment (Arts.

820 and 821);

(e)

control of public health such as unlawful making or sale of toxic.or narcotic substances, drugs and medicines, alcohol, beverages, food stuffs or goods in general (Arts. 818 and 831-834). Prohibitions and Restrictions upon Liberty
.

Article 762.-

Affectilig Persons.
(1) A prohibitionfrbm resorting to certain places conducive to the commission of an offence or further petty offences (Art. 145) may be ordered by the Court in cases where such prohibition appears to be justified, in particular where there has been recidivism or where recidivism is likely. The duration of such prohibition shall be fixed in the judgment,. and in any case shall not exceed a maximum period of six months.
(2) OtheCfneasures restrictive of personal liberty, such ,as prohibition. to reside in a place, obligatory residence, placing under supervision, withdrawal of official papers or expulsion (Arts. 146-150) may not be ordered in respect to a person who committed a petty offence.

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4al
'~J''''<'''''''.'-''':''''.-

O"mif.'u~1
, ~".'~.~.'.p"

t>,(I.
." '

'"

$.Q~iQO

l't~o,t

MIA$YR~I FOR~YRPO$eS Of
INFe~MATtON CQnct@rn@dand

Arti~t@ 7~~~ NQtJ~. lQ l~.A~thQri'y Publioatlon.

(1) NQtiQ~ ~h~Jlp,~g!'ttm p th~ QQ~rt; tQ the PQmp~ter1t ~ytl1,Qf"ty (~Jt.1~4) wt;\~o~ver ,YGI1~ r1Qtic~ ~eerns to pe j~~tl(ie~,. '
(2) Juggrnel1ts

shall be pybli~heq

(~rt,

155) when

I,?;vb,liqQr priV~,te i,nterest Arttct~ '7f$4:.,~

sQ fl1)qyires,

eJ1lry into Uw R~9i~t~r of ~y,gQl1\ent~.

register (Art

(1)

156) shalt be orQ~red in r~sPeQt of sefl1el1ces for petty offences whJQI1 ~Je fi~I" so' 1h~ttt\6:c Goyrts rn~y Qe: fyllv infqrrnect of 1h~ n'~GeQe:nts Qt !i\ acel/sed person.'
t=:ntry in the juqgrnent

(2) ~lJch GOrnrnYn.iQ~tiC?ns ~re: syb,J.e:ct tQ the prQvisi.Qfls

,

re:garctiflQ grimes (~rt 156c).

eHAPTEU~ U

t;NfQR~,MmNT

QF TI1I;.

pf;NALry

Article 765.~ t;x,clusion of $usPe:l1sIQn and Conditional Aelea~,e.

The: prQvis\Qos

cOflQernipg the sl/speosiQn of the

proI1Ql/nCemeot, ofseoteoce or the ~ntorQ~mef1.tQf the pen:;!I!}!a,$ weU as thQse regcHglng 9Qnqitional rel~a$e (Arts. 1~O~2QQ)shall !"otapply t(',) petty offences by rea,sQ.O Qf t,tleir f9rrn~lnaJlJre,' aOQ the', faGt lha,t the punIshment irnposed shQtJ.ld be LJntfQfmlyand rapictry ,
enf;Qroed. '

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'''~' "

Article 766.-

extenuation of th~ Penalty.

(1) Where circumstances warrant a reduction of the penalty (Art. 145(1)) the Court. may, instead of arrest, impose compulsory work or a fine. It shalt be boundby the ordinary rninirnumprdvided by law. The extent or amount shall be determfned according to the degree of gUilt of the petty offender. (2) In cases ..,of minor gravity, where the offence cOmmitted appear$trf~llng, and notablY in ce.sesof a first offence or mere imprudence,. the Court may confine ifselfto infficti~g a reproof, a reprimand, or a warning for the future. ' Article 761.-

Ordinary Aggravation of the Penalty.

In the case of general aggravating circumstances (Art. 145(2) the penalty. shaH be. fixed in a more severe manner withinthe limits providedbylaw (Art.183).
Article 168..-

Aggravation in Case of Conc.uttence.

(t) Irr Case of ma.terial conCUrrence of petty offences the partictJlar penalties determined' for each .Ofthem
shaH

be added and pronounced. The aggregate

finEr may not

pe-naHymay exceed the ordinary maximum JjeflaHy fixed in Article: 141 or 752, However, the penalty of

arrest. rnayn6t eXCeed one y~r.and

excee.dBltr onethdusandandttwo hundred Birr. Fine may not exceed five thousand 8irr in respect of a juridical person.
(2) In the case. of notional concurrence, the..Coun may fnere-ase the penalty as prQvkfed I:>y. the general rule (Aft .f8'7)..

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438 ArticIEr769.-

Criminal Code Aggravation in Case of Recidivism.

(1) Recidivism shall not be taken into account where at the time of the new petty offence to be tried, a period of one year has elapsed since the penalty imposed for the previous petty offence whatever its nature was enforced in whole or in part or remitted by pardon or limitation. (2) In the case of recidivism the Court shall not be bound by the ordinary maximum of the penal.ty prescribed for the new petty offence. When circumstances and the degree of guilt so justify and, in particular, hi cases of persistent repetition of the same offence it may impos'e a penalty up to double the legal maximum provided for the various penalties (Arts. 747 and752). Article 770.Concurrence and Recidivism.

When there is at the same time concurrence of petty offences and recidivism the fines shall be fixed in accordance with the two preceding provisions. However, arrest may not exceed two years, and fine may not exceed two thousand four hundred Birr in the case of physical persons, and ten thousand Birr in respect of .

juridicalpersons.
. .

CHAPTERIII

CONDITIONS FOR INSTITUTING PROCEEDINGS, SUSP~NDING AND EXTINGUISHING THE PROSECUTION AND THE PENAL TV

Article 771..

Prosecution.

(1).The prosecution of violations ofthe provisions of this

tode or of special laws or regulations shall be

governed by the following directives:

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439

(a) petty offences against the person of another, his freedom or honour, or against private property, shall be prosecuted and punished only on a complaint lodged by the injured party, his representative or those having rights from him, duly authorized by law. (b) breaches of laws, orders, regulations and directives of administrative or executive authorities shall be prQsecuted and punished on complaint by the Authority concerned. (c) other breaches shall be prosecuted ex officio by the public prosecutor in accordance with the directives of Criminal Procedure. (2) The prosecution of purely military petty offences shall be governed by Military Law. Article 772.-

Conditions as to Complaint.

Where the law requires that a complaint be lodged as a condition precedent to the prosecution of a petty offence (Art. 771) the general provisions governing conditions, time-limit and right to lodge such a complaint shall apply (Arts. 211-213).

Article 773.-

Limitation.

In the case of petty offences of any nature whatsoever the right to prosecution shall be statute-barred after one year, and the sentence passed 'after two years. The general provisions relating to the beginning, suspension, interruption and absolute' end of the limitation periods (Arts. 219 - 222 and 225 - 228) shall
apply.' ."

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Criminal Code

Articl.e774...

pardon and Amnesty.

Penalties imposed in respect of p.etty offences. may be cancelled by a pardon or an al"!'U'1esty on the usual conditions laid down in. the .CriminalCode (Arts. 229231),. Article 775.Reinstatement.

An offender who is .sentenced to a. penalty shall as of right be reinstated after one year has elapsed since the penalty was undergone in whole or.in part or barred by limitation,or rernitte.c:I by pardon.
BOOK VIII

SPECIAL PARt PEm TITLE I OFFENCES AGAINSTPUS1.JCINtERESTS ANDTHE

COMMUNITY

CHAPTER I GENERAl.. PROVISIONS

Article 776.-

General Provisions reg.ardirtg Petty Qffenees. not expressly covered under this Title.

Whoever, save in tm&' cases; speCia,Uy proVided ifl this

orders, Title, c.ontra,venes the law, regulations, > directives or measures lawfully issued by the apprQpriate . authQrity with a view to protecting, maJntacinlngor restOring:
,

a.) tbe credit of the State, tHe currency, and public

cOrlfidence; or

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441

b) public order, peace, tranquility, safety, health and decency; or c) the freedom, regularity and safety of means of communication by land, air, river or sea, as well as postal, telephonic and. telegraphic correspondence and communications; or d) generally, in regard to fiscal, customs, economic, food, health forestry or policy matters,

shall, if his act is not punishable under a specific provision of the Criminal Code or of special legislation, be punishable with fine or arrest to be determined in accordance with the directives laid down hereinbefore (Article 747 and 752).

Article 777.- General Provision regarding Participation of

a Juridical Person in Petty Offences under this Title. (1) A juridical person shall be regarded a petty offender
and punished in accordance with Article 752 and 768-770, where its official or employee violates one of the provisions in this TiUe by infringing laws, regulationsor directivesas a petty offender (Arts. 32 and 34) in connection with the activity of the juridical person with the intent of promoting its interest by an unlawful means or by violating its legal duty or by unduly using the juridical person as a means. (2) Where the manager, attorney, member, administrator or member of the controlling or winding-up authbrity of a juridical person takes part in the commission of a petty offence according to sub'"article (1) above due to his positron in its management, he shall be punishable in accordance with the relevant provisions of this Titre.

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Criminal Code
CHAPTER II PETTY OFFENCES AGAINST $TATE QR PUBLIC INTERESTS

Section 1.- Petty Offences .lJgainst Public Credit and Confidence Article 778... Re,usaloflegal Tender.
,
.

Whoever without lawful excuse refuses to accept national money or currency, whether in coins . or notes,

at the valueforwhichthey are legaltender,

is punishable with fine or arrest. Article 779... Failure to Report Counterfeit Money. the

Possession

of

Whoever having received spurious, counterfeit or debased coinage or notes does not report the fact to the appropriate public authority.or hand them .over to such authority, indicating .the origin thereof if he knows it, as soon as may be after he has become aware of their

spurious nature or alteration,.

is punishable withfine or arrest. Article 780... Use of Illicit Weights and Measures. Whoever, apart from the cases punishable under the CriminalCode (Art.367), (a) makes use in his reJations with third parties of seals, weights or measures which were not officially controlled or vvhich,are not in conformity with the relevant laws, regulations or directives; or

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(b) generally, contravenes the faws, regulations or directives issued for the stamping, control and use of official weights and measures, is punishable with fine or arrest without prejudice to confiscation when justified.
ticle 781.Use of Expired or Falsified Transport'Tltles.

Whoever makes use, as if it were genuine or still valid, of a public transport ticket or voucher whiqh is falsified, has expired or has already been used, is punishable with fine or arrest.

~rticle 782.-

Fraudulent Securing and .Use of Degrees and' Certificates.

Whoever, apart from the cases punishable under the Criminal Code (Art. 385), with a view to securing an .

undue moral or material advantage:

(a) commits a fraud in official' examinations, competitions or entries for the purpose of obtaining a license or a certificate of professional capacity, a diploma or a degree, a post or employment in a public office or department; or (b) avails himself of a certificate, diploma or degree which he does not possess or to which he is not entitled,
is- punishable month. with fine or arrest. not exceeding one

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Article 783...

Criminal Code
Unlawful Weiiring Insigniii. Making .0.1, Trafficking in, and .o.f, CiviUiin Decorations and

Whoever: (a) without authoriziition makes or falsifies civilian decorations, medals or insignia, stores, distributes, sells or offers them for sale; or (b) uses or wears decorations, medals .or insignia ,to which he is not entitled, is. pUI1~shable with fine or arrest without prejudice to confiscation.
Sectian 11.-

Petty Offences .of a Fiscal, Administrative .or Financial Nature

ArUcle 784.- Violation. of Provisi0ns Dealing with Fiscal Rights.

Whoever, apart from the cases punishable
under the.

Criminal Code (Arts. 343-345), c.ontravenes the laws, regulations or directives issued by the competent authority regarding: (a) the sources .of the national income, in particular taxes, cust.oms, post and telegraph, hunting and fishing rights, the use .of the natural resources of the soil or sub-soU, or any other similar rights or sources of income; or (b) the collection of official dues in respect of stamp and placarding duty, registrations, transfers of ownership and other fiscal charges of the same nature, is punishable with fine' or arrest.

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Criminal Code Article 785.-

445

Violations of Provisions. Dealing with .IUicit Traffic in Gold, or Currencies.

Whoever apart from the cases specifif3d in Article 346 of the Criminal Code, violates laws, regulations or directives, issued concerning gold or currency, whether national or foreign, the dealings or rates of which are subject to limitation, restriction or measures of control or protection,

is punishable with fine not exceeding three hundred Birr or arrest not exceeding three months.

Article 786.- Violation of Provisions on Precious Metals.

Whoever, apart from the cases punishable under the Criminal Code (Art. 347}, contravenes the laws, regulations or directives on the treatment, control, acquisition or sale of precious metals and minerals, is punishable with tine or arrest.

Article 787.-

Instruments.

Violation of Provisions Regarding Negotiable .

Whoever, contravenes the laws, regulations or directives regarding negotiable instruments, cheques, bills of exchange, as well as shares or bonds of commercial or industrial companies, is punishable with fine or arrest.

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446
Article 788.Criminal Code Violation of Provisions Concerning Savings and Banks.

Whoever contravenes the laws, regulations or directives concerning the creation, opening, management and control of banking establishments or companies, or funds for the granting of loans or credit or any other public or private offices issuing invitations to the public for the deposit of funds or savings or for banking or Stock Exchange transactions, is punishable with fine or arrest. Article 789.Violation of Provisions Regarding Lotteries,
..

Gamblingand Betting.
(1) Whoever: (a) publicly organizes for profit lotteries, professional betting or gambling without having obtained an authorization from the competent authority; or (b) without authorization organizes for profit in a public place or a place open to the public or in a private club gambling or betting or any other officially prohibited games of chance, or participates in such games or betting; or (c) in any other way contravenes the relevant laws,

regulations or directives,
is punishable with fine or arrest.

/'

(2) Lotteries and games of chance permitted by law and organized for public or charitable purposes are not punishable.

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<

447

Article 790.- Violation of Provisions on Price Control. Whoever: (8) sells metals, goods, products or objects of any nature whatsoever, whether subject to a monopoly or not, at a price higher than the price fixed in an official pricelistand. duly published; or (b) demands a higher price than prescribed or authorized by law, in pa.rticular in regafd to leases or any other kind of rents; or (c) in any other way contravenes the relevant laws, regulations or directives, ispunishable with fine or arrest. Article 791.Violation of Provisions Regarding Organization, Exercise and Control of Trades and Professions. Whoever, apart from the cases punishable under the Criminal Code, contravenes the laws, regulations or directives regarding the licensing, qualifications, registration, exercise or control of commercial and industrial undertakings, artisans, professional persons, temporary or seasonal employments, or professional associations and societies of any kind, is punishable with fine or arrest.

CHAPTER III BREACHES OF MILITARY DUTIES AND CONTRAVENTIONS AGAINST THE DEFENCE AND POLICE FORCES

Article 792.Determining Military Contraventions. Breaches of military duties and crimes against military discipline, other than those mentioned in the provisions of the Criminal Code dealing with military crimes (Art. 284-325) are specified in the Orders and Regulations issued by the appropriate authorities of the Defence Forces.

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448

Criminal Code MilitarYDisciplinary Penalties.

Article 793.-

(1) A member of the Defence Forces of any rank or any other person in the service of the Defence Forces, a prisoner or a military internee who has been guilty of a military petty offence shall be punished by the authority. under which he serves with the disciplinary penalties provided by the appropriate Defence Forces Regulations. (2) As regard~ ordinary crimes committed by them, the said persons shalL be liable to the ordinary provisions and penalties, with the exceptions specially provided for in their case (Art. 319 and

~~.
-,

Article 794.-Contraventions
.

againsUhe Defence Forces.

'.

Any criminal activity directed against a member of the

Defenge Force.s or against the Defence Forces or the

Auxiliary Services and any violation of orders, dIrectives or reguLations issued by the appropriate military a4thority which are not punishable under the Criminal Code shall be deemed to be petty Qffences against members of the Defence Forces and shall be punishable with fine or arrest on the usual conditions.

Article 795.- Application to the.Police.,,

(1) The same R4nishment regulations the security principles shall apply as regards the of the violation of orders, directives or regarding the duties of the PoHce and which they are entitled to while'on duty.

(2) Nothing in this Article shall affect the provisions regarding the acts performed by members of the Police acting in the capacity of public servants.

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449

QIi~pTeAIV peTTY QFFeNCI;,$ AGAIN$r THE .DUTlE$ OF A PUBLI.C . . . . (lFFIOI; QR A PUall,.lCAUTHQFUTY

.

$'t;fi()1:J I...,.R~ff Qff!@Qf;@$Ilgai(:Jst the IJ)u.fi@$of ;I.

Rub/Ie Ofti~e

Article 796... Mi$usE! of AuthQrityin Public Office.

thedischarg.e

o.f a

Any public serv.mt Who,.a.Pa.rtfrom th~ cases. punrshable U\1ger the Criminal CQde eArt. 407). e)(~eeds the auth.Qrityc;Ol'1ferredupQn hrm or rnrsuses such authority, is punIshable with Une or arrest not exceeding three months.

Artiql~1~7

Misu,se of the Aighto~ Constrl\in.t.

':

Any,public s.ervant lawfully empowered to effect a house ~~~c;h,. a. se,i4ure or a sequestration, the application or .()f SeaJs, qr to effect a personal search or ~eIJlilQ'lal i;lflsRec:ti()n,an arrest. a detention or placing under s.qpervisiQI'1, an ~l1terro.ga~o~ or any other similar act whq, apart from the cases punrshable under the Criminal Code (Arts. 422~424), I;nisuses his authorrty, in particular t>ha.\(tng ~e.cQ.I.Jrse tQ vexatious, offensive, indiscreet or [",COrrect'methods, rs Pl!nishabl.e with.fine Qr arrest.

Article. 7~8.-

Laqk of Honesty.

f\n public servant who, apart from the cases punishable uncleI'the Criminal Code (Arts. 411-419), takes undue advantage of his position to commit dishonest acts. is punishable with fine or arrest.

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Article 799.- Undue Favouring. Any public servant who, apc;irtfrom the cases punishable under the Criminal Code (Art,408,409 and 414), unduly favours, for a motive of personal interest, a person having recourse to his office, or pl~ced under his authority, or for wh()s~ care and custody he is responsible, is punishable with fine or arrest 110texceeding three months.
.

Article 800.- Careless handing over.of OfficialPapers. . Anypublicservant who: .

(a) issues or causes to be issued 'or handed over a passport, an identity card, a permit, an extract from a judgment register, a certificate of .gQodconduct or as to poverty, or in general ahy document or official attestation of a personal nature, to an unkno~n persqn without having previously ascertained by all usual means of checking the identityof the said person and his right to receive the document or instrument in question;or (b) allows a person freely to use such a document or instrumentalthough he knows that he is neither the true holder thereof, .nor has the right to use it, is punishable with fine or arrest not exceeding three months. Article 801.Cases

Punishments.

of Minor Importance; . .

Disciplinary

In the case of petty offences committee by a public servant in the discharge of his officialduties, the Court may, when the offence appears to it merely to justify disciplinary measures, waive the penalty provided by this Code and, on stating the reasons for its decision, refer the..petty offender to the. administrative authority to which he reports so thatit may impose$uch . punishment as it deems appropriate.

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Petty Offences against a Public Authority Damage to Official Publications.

Article 802.-

Whoever, apart from the cases punishable under the Criminal Code (Art. 432), removes, lacerates, impairs, obliterates, intentionally damages or soils official notices or placards publicly posted up, is punishable with fine not exceeding one hundred Birr or arrest not exceeding fifteen days.

Article 803.(1)

Failure to Make Compulsory . Statements or Entries.

Official

Whoever, apart from the cases punishable under the Criminal Code (Art. 434) or a special provision, omits or fails to make, within the time limits prescribed by law or regulations, an official statement or entry of any' nature whatsoever which he is bound to make, is punishable with fine or arrest not exceeding fifteen days.

(2) Nothing in this Article shall affect the special provisions dealing with compulsory professional declarations in health matters (Art. 835).

Article 804.-

Undue Publications.

Whoever, apartfrort1 the cases punishable under the Criminal Code (Arts. 435 and 451), contravenes any official directives, regulations or orders prohibiting the disclosure of acts, deliberations or decisions of an authority,
,

is punishable

with fine or arrest.

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Article 805.Whoever,

apart from the cases punishable undef the Criminal Code (Art. 436), knowingly continues to exercise a right Which he has lost by laW or has assigned, or of Whichhe has been debarred 01'deprived, Whether permanentlY or temporarily, by the declaration

of a judicial authority, is punishable with fine or arrest.

Article 806.- Refusal to Lend Assistance Authority.

to a Public

Whoever, apart from the cases punishable under the

Criminal Code (Art. 440), on' being duly requested or summoned by a representative of a pUblic authority acting in the discharge of his official duties to lend him indispensable help or assistance, with' a vieW in particular to. preventing a breach of the peace, the commissiOn of a petty offence of the escape of a petty offender, refuses so to ao without any reason of force majeure or the risk of a serious danger to his person Or property, . is punishable with fine not exceeding one hundred Birr or arrest not exceeding one month.

Article 807.- Refusal to Obey an Injunction.

(1) A person who ,apart from the cases punishable under the Criminal Code (Art. 440), on being dUly requested or ordered by a public serVant acting in the discharge Of his duties, refuses: (a) to supply his name or identity; his occupation, residence, address or any other particUlar reiating to his personal status, or gives inaccurate

information in respect thereto: or

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(2)

(b) to.stop or move on, to free a public thoroughfare, to allow his papers, luggage or any suspicious things he carries about him to be examined, or to comply with any other order of a similar nature, is punishable with fine not exceeding one hundred Birr or arrest not exceeding one month. Whoever gives inaccurate information in respe.ct to the particulars specified in sub~article1 (a) of this Article is liable to the same punishment.

CHAPTER V PETTY OFFENCES AGAINST PUBLIC SAFETY, PEACE AND SECURITY

Section I.-Offence

against Public Safety

Article 808...' Control of Arms and Ammunition. Whoever, apart from the cases oftraftic punishable under the Criminal Code (Art. 481): (a) contravenes the laws, regulations or directives concerning the making and declaration, the trade in, possession or delivery, control or use of fire arms or other weapons and @,mmunition;or (b) knowingly sells or delivers to persons not entitled to receive them, and in particular to infants or young persons, arms or ammunition or allows them to dispose of them without supervision, is punishable with fine or arrest. Article 809." Carrying and Use of Prohibited Arms. Whoever is found carrying in a public place an arm

which he was. not authorized to acquire . or entitled to

carry, or makes use of an arm ,even though authorized, at a time when or in a place where such use is prohibited,

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is punishable with fine not exceeding one hUll Birr or arrest not exceeding eight days. I

Article 810.-

Control of Aliens.

Whoever, apart from the cases specified in Article 2J the Criminal Code, contravenes the laws, regulation~ directives and regulations concerning the trar declaration, residence, establishment of aliens or t~ control,

is punishable with fine or arrest.

Article 811.-

Unauthorized Change or. Assumption

Another Name.

(1) Whoever with the intention of concealing his identi

or of evading control by a competent authori unlawfully assumes a fictitious surname, chang61 his true name, adds another name thereto d assumes the name of another, I is punishable with fine or arrest. I (2) The lawful use of a professional, literary or otheJ pseudonym or of a recognized nick-name does not1 fall under this Article. Section 11.Petty Offences against Public Peace. Tranquillity and Order II I
1

ticle 812.- Breaches Against Laws Concerning the Mass Media and Advertisements. I Whoever contravenes the laws, regulations or directives I

concerning the printing, publication, deposit, sale, I distribution or control of printed documents, public I advertisement, posters, or notices transmitted through I the radio, television, the Internet or other public media, I is punishable with fine or arrest. 1

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455 or

Whoever, apart from the cases punishable under the Criminal Code (Art.485 and 486), announces, spreads, publishes or reports to the authorities false, exaggerated or biased news intended to or capable of perturbing public order or tranquility, is punishable with fine or arrest. Article 814.False Alarm.

Whoever, by knowingly launching or addressing them unwarranted summons for help, or by conveying them false communications, sets in motion: (a) the. services of public authorities or public relief departments, transportation, hospitalization or rescue services, police, fire brigade or other similar services; or (b) physicians or persons exercising a therapeutic

activity,

is punishable with fine or arrest not exceeding fifteen days. Article 815.Disturbance of Work or Rest of Others.

(1) Whoever disturbs the work, rest or tranquillity of others, in particular by brawls and wrangles, shouts, songs, vociferations or uproars, signals, calls or the ringing of bells, or by the abuse of noisy instruments, apparatus, machines or other noise-producing articles, is punishable with fine not exceeding one
hundred Birr.

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(2) If the noise, or disturbance is caused at night as

defined in the police regulations or'by custom, or is willfully caused in the vicinity of hospitals, schools or sim,ilar institutions or, generalJy, if it is caused in a deliberately wicked or mischievous manner,
.

the Court may impose a fine or arrest not

exceeding one month.

Article 816.~ Blasphemous Attitudes.

or Scandalous

Utterances or

Whoever, apart from the cases punishable under the

Criminal Code (Arts 492 and 493), in a public place or in a place open to the'public or that can be viewed by the public, by gestures or words scoffs at religion or expresses himself in a manner which is blasphemous, scandalous or grossly offensive to the feelings or convictions of others. or towards the Divine Being or the religious symbols, rites or religious personages, is punishable with fine or arrest noCexceeding one month. Article 817.~

Observance of Official Holidays.

Whoever contravenes the laws, regulations or directives

concerning compulsory holidays, . is punishable with fine or arrest not exceeding eight days.

Article 818.~ Measures against Alcoholism. Whoever, apart from the cases punishable under the
Criminal Code:

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(a) contravenes the laws, orders or regulations concerning the manufacture of and trade in alcohol and distilled beverages; or (b) sells, buys or c9-nsumes alcohol in a public establishment outside the lawful hours; or (c) sells, offers, serves or allows to be served in a public place alcohol in substantial quantities to infants or young. persons, persons who are irresponsible, or are manifestly drunk or dangerous; or (d) intentionally induces another to become inebriated, inebriates another or himself in a public place or in a place open to the public or that can be viewed by the public, is punishable with fine or arrest not exceeding one month. Article 819Causing Public Scandal while Drunk or Jntoxicated.

Whoever, being drunk or intoxicated, causes scandal or disorder or utters threats in a public place, is punishable with fine not exceeding one hundred Birr or arrest not exceeding eight days without prejudice to safety measures of an .administrative nature that may

seem justified.

Article 820.-

Supervision of Inns.

The owner, manager or keeper who contravenes the laws, regulations. or directives concerning inns, eatinghouses, hotels and public houses, in particular as regards: (a) the right to run such an establishment and the requirements and safeguards applying thereto; or

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(b) the opening and closing hours or any other law. regulation, or rule
is punishable with fine or arrest.

Article 821.-

Supervision of Theatrical Performances and Entertainments.

The owner, organizer, director, manager or agent who contravenes the laws, regulations or directives concerning theatrical performances and entertainments of any kind whatsoever, in particular in regard to:
(a) the permission to organize or offer them to the public safeguards relating thereto other than those specified in Article 826; or (b) censorship and the prior requirements imposed in protection of infants and young persons; or (c) opening or closing times or authorized time of performance, or any other law regulation or measure of supervision applying to places or establishments used for public or private theatrical performances or entertainments, is punishable with fine or arrest. Article 822.Scandalous Treatment of animals.

or . the conditions of their management and

. the interests of decency, public order or the

A person shall be punishable with fine or arrest if: (a) in a public place or a place open to the public or which can be viewed by the public, and without justification, he commits acts of cruelty towards animals or inflicts upon them ill-treatment or revolting violence or brutality; or

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(b) he organizes shows or entertainments in which animals are treated with cruelty, are mutilated or killed, whether it be fights between animals or .with animals, shooting of captive animals or o,ther petty offences of a similar kind.

Section
Article 823.-

1/1.-

Petty Offences against Pu"lic Security

Safety.

Petty Offences against other persons'

Whoever endangers the safety of another person: (a) by setting against him dogs or dangerous animals or by not restraining them to the best .of his ability; or (b) by throwing at him stones, hard or cutting objects or any other things or substances capable of causing harm, wounds or injury; or (c) by placing or setting, without previously obtaining permission from the Police or giving public notice, traps, alarm appliances or any other dangerous

devices,
is punishable with fine not exceeding one hundred Birr or arrest not exceeding one month.
'

Article 824.Dangerous

Failure. to Exercise Proper Supervision over

Persons or animals.
Whoever: '(a) contravenes the laws, regulations or directives or fails to take the necessary precautions, concerning the 'custody of or 'supervision ~over lunatics, irresponsible persons, as well as dangerous or ferocious animals; or '

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Criminal Codeo (b) intentionally omits to warn the competent authority of the escape or running away. of such persons or

animals,

is punishable with fine not exceeding one hundred Birr or arrest not exceeding one month. Article 825.Control of Traffi.c at Night.

Whoever fails to comply with orders issued by local

authorities regarding curfew.. and the prohibition or restriction of trafficat night without permission, is punishable with fine not exceeding . one

hundred Birror arrest not exceedingone month.

Article 826.Supervision of Buildings. Whoever, apart from the cases punishable under the Criminal Code (Art. 501), contravenes the laws,

regulationsor directivesrelatingto:

(a) the erection, upkeep, repair or demolition of buildings of any kind whatsoever, whether public or private; or (b) the safety of public places, halls, places or installations used for theatrical performances and entertainments or the holding of meetings, or premises for habitation, trade of industry, is punishable with fine or arrest. Article 827.Control of Streets and Public Places. Whoever impairs public safety, in particular: (a) by depositing, suspending, unloading or throwing at a crossing or a public place or a place accessible to the public materials, garbage, refuse, objects or things of any nature whatsoever capable of causing an appreciable risk or nuisance without observing the relevant directives or taking the necessary precaution; or

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(b) by neglecting to place a warning, notice, or light the matetialsorobjects thus exposed or deposited, or the excavations, erections or works affected in such a place, or by removing or interfering with, without necessity or adequate reasons, lights placed in the interests of the public, is punishable with fine or arrest.

Article 828.-

Endangering Safety of Communications.

Whoever, apart from the cases punishable under the Criminal Code (Arts. 505-513), contravenes the laws regulations or directives relating to the licensing, conditions and supervision of the traffic of pedestrians, animals or vehicles of all kinds, as well as the declaration, equipment, upkeep and use of the latter, is punishable with fine or arrest.

Article 829.- Control of Fire, Substances.

Explosive

and Dangerous

Whoever, apart from the cases punishable under the Criminal Code (Arts. 494-500): (a) contravenes the preventive, protective and safety laws, regulations or directives concerning fires and fire control, in particular in relation to installation, whether electric or other, and to the obligation to insulate, maintain and repair chimneys, furnaces, boilers or apparatus in which fire is used; or (b) contravenes the laws, regulations or directives prohibitin.g against explpding in certain places, or without. taking the requisite precautions, mines, bombs, mortars, fireworks or squibs or against launching lighted balloons or against making any similar use of explosive or inflamed materials; or

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(c) contravenes the laws, regulations or directives the manufacture or preparation, possession, handling, transport, sale, purchase or use. of oils and petroleum and their derivatives, gunpowder and all explosive, inflammable, toxic, corrosive or dangerous substances, is punishable with fine or arrest.

CHAPTER VI PETTY OFFENCES AGAINST PUBLIC .HEALTH AND HYGIENE Article 830.Control of Public Health and S'alubrity.

Whoever, apart from the cases punishable under the Criminal Code (Arts. 514-524), contravenes the directives or regulations regarding: (a) the cleanliness, salubrity and hygiene of water and water installation, public places and establishments, houses and habitations, factories, plants and industrial and commercial premises; or (b) the prevention, declaration, prophylactic treatment and control of diseases, in particular mental and contagious diseases, epidemics and epizootic diseases; (c) the prevention, limit, arrest or the control in general of environmental pollution, is punishable with fine or arrest. Article 831.Control of Toxic Substances and Drugs.

Whoever, apart from the cases punishable under the Crirl1inalCode (Art. 525):

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(a) grows, manufacturers..or prepares, sells, offers for sale, delivers or gives without lawful permission or an express medical prescription, where such are required, plants, substances, medicines or products which are narcotic, toxic, poisonous, noxious or dangerous for the health; or (b) in defiance of directives prescribed by law or the directives dictated by commol1 prudence willfully sells, offers for sale or delivers such substances or products, even when their delivery is not expressly prohibited without an authorizetion, to persons who are irresponsible,. to infants or young persons, sick persons who are irresponsible, to fnfarits or young persons, sick persons or individuals for whom they are manifestly dange(ous or unsuitable; or (c) keeps or handles such substances or products without taking the precaution required by official or professional regulations, c~stom ,or the dictates of common prudence, in particular when there is a risk of mistake or confusion; or (d) fails to warn other persons of the, danger of poisoning or intoxication known to him, when it is his duty and he is able to do so,
is punishable with fine Or arrest.

Article 832.-

Rendering another Person Unconscious or Stupefied. (1) A person shall be punishable with fine or arrest when, apart from the cases punishable under the Criminal Code (Arts. 532 and 533), he subjects another person to a treatment. or practices of any nature whatsoever abolishing or altering the faculties of consciousness or free determination without being authorized so to do by tlis professional status and in conformity with generally accepted medical or pharmaceutical practice.

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(2) Medical experiments or. hypnotic passes Or exercises 1n hypnotism or transmission of thought~ or conduct from a distance duly authorized and carried out by way of mere entertainment shall nOt be punishable. Article 833... Control of Foodstuffs, Beverages and other Commodities. Whoever, apart from the cases punishable under the Criminal Code (Art. 527 and 528), contravenes the laws, regulations or directives regarding: (a) the permission for the keeping or sale, the transport, preservation, sale and control of foodstuffs, meat, milk, beverages, whether alcoholic or not, commodities and fodder; or (b) the opening and clos1ng, running and control of market places, is punishable with fine or arrest. Article aa4...

Regulation of the Medical and Therapeutic Professions and Hospitals.

Whoever, apart from the cases punishable under the Criminal Code (Arts. 535 and 536)t contravenes the laws, regulations or directives regarding: (a) the permission to practice, and the practice of, the medical, pharmaceutical and veterinary professions and auxiliary. profe~sions of any kind whatsoever, including physiotherapy, natural therapeutics and chiropractic; or (b) the sale or delivery of drugs and medicines; or (c) the .9pening, declaration, management or running of places or establishments for. cures, whether for outdoor or in-door patients, pf any nature .

whatsoever,

is punishable with fine or arrest.

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Article 835.-

Failure to Make Compulsory

Notifications.

physicians, ~entlsts, chemists; midwives, veterinary.j .( I

surgeons and all persons officially authorized to attend patients, who fail. to bring fo the notice of the competent authority facts which, Uhaer law, they are obliged to of contagious diseases, tJrug-attdictibn, of epizootics, or activities of a criminal nattJre or ttahgerousfor the commUnity as a Whole, Birr, or inmor~ With arrest.
Article 836..

notify, . in particUlar with a VieWto pre~e~ting the. spread

are pUnishable With fine not exceeding fiVe hundred

serious caSes or cases of recidivism,

Failure to Afford Attendance.

Physicians, chemists, veterinary-surgeons, any other person 'authorized to practice

midWives or a therapeutic profession who, apart from the cases pUnishable under the Criminal Oede (Art. 537 and 515), fail without lawful cause to attend professionally shall De liable to the penalties stipulated in the preceding Article, when such failUre to act entails a danger or a risK for another person, 837,-

ArtiCle

Reguiation of Burials and Cremations. exposure

Whoever contravenes the laws, regulations or directives

,regarding the of the dead, bUrials and

cremetlons,

is punishable with fine or arrest.

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PETTY.OFFENCES

TITLE II AGAINST PERSONS AND PROPERTY

,CHAPTER. I GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 838.~, General Provision Regarding Petty Offences not Covered Under this Title. Whoever, apart from the cases provided by this Code, contravenesthe laws, regulations, orders, directives or measures issued for the p~otection of persons or property, shall be punishable with fine or arrest to be fixed in accordance with the general provisions of this Code, if his act is not otherwi~e punishable under the Criminal Code or special legislation.

Article 839.- General Provision Regarding Participation of a Juridical Person in Petty Offences Under this Title.
(1) A juridical person shall be deemed a petty offender and punished in accordance with Article 752 and 768-770, where its official or er,nrqloyeeviolates one of the provisions in this Title by infringing laws, regulations Or directives as a petty offender (Arts. 32 and 34) in connection with the activity of the juridical person with the intent of promoting its interest by an unlawful m~ans or by violating its legal duty or by unduly using'the juridical person as a means. (2) Where the manager, attorney, member, administrator or member of the controlling or winding-up authority of a juridical person takes part in the commission of a petty offence according to sub-article (1) above due to his position in its management, ,he shall be. punishable. in accordance with the relevant provisions of this Title.

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CHAPTER II PETTY OFFENCES AGAINST PERSONS Section I~- Petty Offences Relating to the Protection of Persons.

Article 840.- Assault and Minor Acts of Violence. Whoever, apart from the cases punishable under the Criminal Code (Art. 560 (1)): (a) commits an assault or minoractsof'viol~nce against another person, without striking or wounding the said person, or (b) deliberately'dtnegligentlytthrows at another person filth or an object or liquid likely to inconvenience or soil him,
is punishable with fine not exceeding one hundred Birr or arrest not exceeding eight days.

Article 841.- Concealment 01a Corpse. Whoever, (a) has hidden, buried, drowned, cremated or caused to disappear in any other manner a still-born child or a child alleged to have been still. born, or human corpse, without notifying the fact to the competent authority, or has failed to notify to the said authority of the discovery of a corpse; or

(b) having wounded or ,killed another in self defence or in a state of necessity, failed to notify the fact forthwith.to the comp'etent authority,
is punishable with fine or arrest.

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Artic~e Q42~~ P~Uy qff~(\c~~ ag@jnst Pe~~Qnal ~ip~rty~ W;~.E:W~f,~paft tfOmtt1.~ e~ses p.YAist1abl~U(1dE3f th,e Crim.in~1 Gqd~ (~rt, !5E!5~, qauses an infant., qJ yqut'lQ p~f~()~, an irf~~pG(\~il;)J~ ()f A'I~(1m~~ q~fiej;~nt p~r~()I'1,or a PE3fson plac~ct undE3f I;\i~ ay\OOrii,tyeith~r t>y laW.or

otherwis~, to be admitte.d tq or det~ineci in a public or priv,a.t~insti1ution, qf acit11its, t~()JidetaiF\s ~uch an institution contrary to the regulations or safeguards laid
clown by law,

is punishable with fin.e Of arrest Article 843... l[\fril'1gementof ttte Right t() Private Secrecy.

Whoever, in cases ot mi.nor impqrrtance or cases of negligence not deserving to be punished under the Criminal) COde (Art. 6()B),. vi().~tes the right to the
secrecY' qf private. lite, cQrresp.on,de(1ce or personal
.

matters for wha\ever motive,

i.s punish~bl~ wi\h fine.qf.,an:esl fifteen deWs. AGtexceeciing

Article 844.~. Sligh,' Petty Q;ffel1c~s @g@in~tHonour. In cases qf( ~~ight il'1.sIJIt qr o'tE3n~i.ve.behaviour not deserving to, t>e p.l,J;nisned: ul'1der the. (iriminal Code (Art. 615), in partiqlJlaxin.the ab.sence of.publicityor when the

significanqe the.,iO$ultor offensive beh~vjor was not " th,ird parties qr by tl;\e.aggrieved party, understood by the Court shall impose a fine not.exceeding one hundred Birr or arrest not exceeding eight days, subject to the general provisions relating to exemption from penalty in cases of retaliation or retractation.

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Article 845.- Petty Offences against Decency and Morality.

Whoever, apart from the cases punishable under the Criminal Code (Art. 639-641),infentionally offends morality or decency in a public place or a place within the view of the public, is punishable with fine or arrest.

Article 846.-

Immoral Soliciting and Debauchery.

Whoever in the street orin a public place br in a place accessible to the public: (a) with an intent contrary to ..decency or. morality molests a person who is not soliciting; or (b) by improper soliciting incites another person to sexual intercourse or to committing an act contrary to decency or acts of debauchery of any kind whatsoever; or (c) by engaging in prostitution or debauchery, is a nuisance to the occupiers of the dwelling or the inhabitants of the neighbourhood, is
exceeding.

punishable. with
one 'month.

fine

or

arrest

not

Article 847.-.

.Advertising for Debauchery.

Whoever, with a vi~w to encouraging debauchery or satisfying the sexual urge of others, pUblicty advertises by any means that debauchery may be enjoyed in a particular place,
is punishable with fine or arrest.

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Article 848.Criminal Code Publicity relating to Abortion.

Whoever, apart from the cases permitted by law, advertises or offers for sale means or product designed to cause abortion, or publicly offers his services to perform abor:tion,' . is punishable with fine or arrest.
CHAPTER III PETTY OFFENCES AGAINST PROPERTY Section. 1.-

Protection of the National Wealth

Article 849..- Protection of Historical, Artistic and Natural Riches. Whoever, apart from the cases punishable under the Criminal Code, contravenes the laws, regulations or directives: (a) protecting the national historical, archaeological and artistic wealth or the natural sites, springs or riches of any nature whatsoever; or (b) rendering compulsory the declaration of the discovery of historical, archeological, geographical or natural riches of national interest, or prohibiting, limiting or controlling the trade in, or export of, antiquities or precious or protected objects of any nature whatsoever; or (c) punishing anyone who.impairs the value, defaces or places in jeopardy an historical or archaeological monument, a natural site or a specifically protected place,
is punishable with fine or arrest.

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471

ticle 850.-

Whoever contravenes the laws, regulations or directives for the protection and safeguard of the national arborescent species, flora and fauna, is punishable with fine or arrest. Section 11.- Petty Offences against Property .rtlcle 851.- Protection of Public and Private Property.
Whoever, apart from the cases punishable under the
Criminal Code (Art. 685-687), contravenes the laws, regulations or directivespl'otecting public or private property and In particular: (a) removes, without due authorization, from a public or private place, earth, stones, wood, sand or materials, grass, hedge, plants or seeds; or (b) enters or goes over without being entitled thereto, in any season whatever, enclosed or sown land, or
.

land bearing crops or fruit, or causes or allows his

cattle or his mounts to go over such land or pasture thereon; or (c) unlawfully enters reserved hunting or fishing land, is punishable with fine or arrest.

Article 852..

Petty Theft.

(1) Whoever, prompted by need or desire or by lack of

conscience, takes a thing of small value belonging to another for his immediate consumption or use,

is punishable with fine not exceeding fifty Birr or arrest not exceeding fifteen days.

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The Court may impose no punishment when the petty offender was urged by hardship or need duly proven. (2) A petty theft committed to the prejudice of an . separated shall not be punishable. (3) According to the circumstances of the case, custom and the object of the theft, the Court shall appreciate whether the stolen thing must be

ascendant,a descendantor a spouse not legally

regarded. as of small value and whether an

.

intention to secure an illicit enricnment, which is the constituent element of. theft (Art665) ,must not be

admitted.

Article 85~.- Pilfering and Gleaning.

Whoever in any sea$on of the year: (a) without leave takes or gathers in order to eat them on the spot, fruit, berries, grains, vegetables and other agricultural or horticultural products belonging to another person; or (b) gleans, rakes or picks in fields, orchards or land owned by another and from whi.ch crops have not yet been fully gathered,. or does such acts at any time comprised between sunset and sunrise, is punishable under the proce.eding Article.

Article 854.- Unjusti.fied Articles.

Pos.session

of

Suspicious

Whoever is found in possession of keys, hooks, pincers, instruments or weapons, or securities, articles or objects the origin of which he cannot explain satisfactorily or the use of which he cannot justify,

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is puni~hable with fine not exceeding one hundred Birror arrest not exceeding fifteen days.
AI1i.cle'S5.Failure to Notify the Competent Authority and Concea&ment of Property.

Whoever omits to notify the competent authority, as soon as circumstances and material conditions enable him so to do, (a) upon his finding an object mislaid.or lost by another person, or a treasure (Art.680); or (b) upon acquirJng or receiving in 'any capacity whatsoever objects of . any nature. ori.giQating,. without his knowledge, from it ,theft or another offence against another person's property, the . feLonious origin of which he subsequently suspected, knew or ascertained, is punishabte with fine or arrest not exceeding one month.
Article 856..- Defacement or Dep.reciation of Another Person's Property. Whoever, apart from the cases punishable under the Criminal Code (Art. 689 and 690~1'},}, defaces Of: depreciates another person's property, whether by inadequate maintenance of houses, buHdings or walls for the. upkeep of which he is responsible, by works effected on another person's land, by its obstruction or the obstruction of its ways of access, by the discharge thereon. pf materials or objects, by the diversion or

d~fective upkeep of water or drains, bybad driving or excessive speed or, loading of vehicles or beasts of
draught or burden or mounts, by the unskillful or careless use of arms or instruments, or by any other fault or negligence of which he may be guilty, is punishable with fine or arrest.

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Criminal Code Damage to Public Monuments.

Article 857.-

Whoever, apart from the case of substantial damage to property. puni.~hablel;lnder the Criminal Code (Art. 690 (2)), soils or -d~faces monuments, buildings statues or other objects intended for public use or enjoyment, is punishable with fine or arrest.

Section 111.~Petty Offences General Article 858.Malicious Interests. Injury to

against

Property

in

Another

Person's

Whoever; without any intent to seCUre an illicit

enrichment, causes another person to do acts detrimental to his pr6prietaryinterests or those of a third party by resorting to deceptive 'or fraudulent methods, whJ~therout of malice, . intent to injure or for any other .
reason,

is punishable with fine or arrest not exceeding one month.

Article 859.-

Filching;

Whoever, knowing fhathe is unable to pay, orders or 'obtains 'foodstuffs, beverages, accommodation or benefits of any kind whatsoever in establishments such as boarding houses, eatingholJses, inns or hotels catering for the public, is punishable with fine or arrest not exceeding one . month.

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Crimim;al Code Article 860..475
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Fraudulent obtaining of other Benefits.

Whoever fraudulently obtains without payment benefits

Which 'he knew to be., . obtainable only against

remuneration, in particular:

(a) conveyanceby publicor private means of transport

of any kind whatsoever, on land, by air or by water; or (b) admittance to a show, entertainment, performance, exhibition or any . other similar function organized for
prpf~t;pr... . (c) obtaining goods supplied by a vending machine, is punishable with fine or arrest not exceeding one month.

Article 86'1.- Quackery. Whoever, apart from the'. cases punishable under the
Criminal Code (Art. 700):
(a) obtains money by taking advantage of the credulity of others by sooth-saying in any form whatsoever, by calling upon spirits, by indicating means for finding a treasure, or in any similar manner; or (b) publicly offers, by advertising or otherwise, to resort to such practices for gain, is punishable with fine or arrest not exceeding one month.
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Article 862.-

Unauthorized Collections.

Whoever publicly collects funds or appeals for money without being authorized so to do by law or the competent authority, is punishable with fine or arrest.

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476 This Artiole

Criminal Code
~ha.ll not apply to oolleotion made buildings dedicated tQ the practioe of religion, or private, professional sporting Qr other clubs, societies oircles, in particular if made for purposes of oharity upkeep. in in or or

CHAPTER

tV

PETTY ECONOMIC, TRADE OR MARITIME OFFENCES

Article 863... Breaoh of the Provi.slons Concerning the

Keeping of Books a.nd Account. WhQever, in violation of a. duty resulting from '"aw, a regulation or articles. of association, fails or neglects to keep regulariy and in good Qrder books and accounts, or to keep his correspondence, invoic~s and other business papers for the prescribed time, is punIshable with fine or arrest not e)(oeeding one month. Article 864.- Resistance to Compulsory EXecution. A debtor or a third party who, apart from the oases punishable under the Criminal Code (Art. 728-730), disobeys an express and legitimate injunotion addressed to him by the proseouting or liquidation authority, in particular as to his duty:
(a) of announcing, deolaring or producing objeots forming part of the assets, even though they are no longer in his possession, or oredits, olaims, debts, mortgages or any other obligations of the same kind; or

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Criminat Code

471'

(h);af answering a regutar summans' to be heard ar appear tn the presence 01 other, attend a meeting, participate, if\:a vote, or exercise any other activity

pfescr!bed by the fegal - pfOvisions relating to

praceedings for debt,Ofcompulsory executian, is punishable with fine or arrest not exceeding' eight days. Article 865.~ Violation of Regulations Merchant Service. regarding the

Whoever contravenes the laws, regulations o.rdirectives: regarding,tinemerchant service relating to: (a) security measures: imposed upon the captain, the officers or the crew of a ship in respect of the signaling, inspecti,on, revision or control of he ship; or (0) the k.eeping of logbooks" registers or other documents,; or (c) the carryill9 of ffeigh~ cargo" mait 0'1'passengers, emba~ and disembarkation" loading, and untoadbg" or mOlilememat sea, and in ports; or
(d) hygiene QtiheaLth,

is punishable with fine or arrest, if 00' other provisian of tl1eCnm:inal Cod&or of special: legislation is appffcabte.
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