Mass Trials and Modes of Criminal Responsibility for International Crimes

Abstract This chapter analyses Ethiopia's mass trials that sought to address the mass atrocities committed during the early years (1974–1980) of the communist regime of Colonel Mengistu Hailemariam and his associates. Specifically, it examines the objections raised by the accused about their convictions based solely on them being members of the Derg. It argues that the courts failed to draw on international criminal law jurisprudence in finding the defendants guilty. The Federal Supreme Court's refusal to order separate trials also made it difficult for the accused to mount a proper defence against the charges.