ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA — Some of the 46 detainees who are currently on trial after being accused by the tribal junta in Ethiopia of trying to overthrow the regime have told the court on Friday that they are being savagely tortured by security personnel.

One of the accused, Ato Asaminew Tsige, told the court that he has lost sight in one eye from the beatings.

Upon hearing Ato Asaminew’s claim, family members started to cry loudly, prompting the judges to remove every one from the court room except the accused, the prosecutors, the defense lawyers, the police, and some journalists.

Ato Asaminew asked the court to appoint an independent physician to give the detainees medical treatment and investigate the tortures.

An official representing the prison denied the torture charge. The judges hearing the case told the detainees to file their complaints in writing.

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