Rights group is critical of Ethiopia

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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, May 27 (UPI) -- Amnesty International's 2012 report says Ethiopia has overlooked its commitments to human rights for the sake of economic growth.

Released last Monday, Amnesty International's report highlights Ethiopia systematic crackdown on freedom of expression "under which scores of journalists and political opposition members had been arrested and charged with terrorism, treason and other purported offenses."

It added, "Repressive legislation effectively prevented human rights organizations from functioning normally."

With an 11 percent recorded growth rate since 2005 Ethiopia successfully managed to reduce poverty for its 83 million citizens.

Talking to Ethiopian Reporter on Monday Erwin van der Borght, program director with Amnesty Africa, said "Certainly Ethiopia has made progress in terms of its economic development, but in a way it has neglected to respect and protect civil and political rights such as the right to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly."