Ethnic Federalism in a Dominant Party State: The Ethiopian Experience 1991-2000 Lovise Aalen r 2002: 2

Article 19
Rights of Persons Arrested
1. Persons arrested have the right to be informed promptly, in a language they
understand, of the reasons for their arrest and of any charge against them.
2. Persons arrested have the right to remain silent. Upon arrest, they have the right to be
informed promptly, in a language they understand, that any statement they make may
be used as evidence against them in court.
3. Persons arrested have the right to be brought before a court within 48 hours of their
arrest. Such time shall not include the time reasonably required for the journey from
the place of arrest to the court. On appearing before a court, they have the right to be
given prompt and specific explanation of the reasons for their arrest due to the alleged
crime committed.
4. All persons have an inalienable right to petition the court to order their physical release
where the arresting police officer or the law enforcer fails to bring them before a court
within the prescribed time and to provide reasons for their arrest. Where the interest

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of justice requires, the court may order the arrested person to remain in custody or,
when requested, remand him for a time strictly required to carry out the necessary
investigation. In determining the additional time necessary for investigation, the court
shall ensure that the responsible law enforcement authorities carry out the
investigation respecting the arrested person’s right to a speedy trial.
5. Persons arrested shall not be compelled to make confessions or admissions which could
be used in evidence against them. Any evidence obtained under such coercion shall
not be admissible.
6. Persons arrested have the right to be released on bail. In exceptional circumstances
prescribed by law, the court may deny bail or demand adequate guarantee or the
conditional release of the arrested person.