This report of Amnesty International covers a political trial in Ethiopia lasting from May 2006 to March 2008, in which opposition party leaders, journalists and civil society activists considered by Amnesty International to be prisoners of conscience were tried for crimes that carried possible death sentences or life imprisonment. This report also describes related trials of opposition supporters; treatment of the defendants in prison, including torture of some defendants; a Commission of Inquiry into alleged excessive force against demonstrators by the security forces; and relevant developments since the trial. It concludes with recommendations to the Ethiopian government and the international community. Amnesty states that the right of defence would not be meaningful if the accused and their counsel were not given adequate time and facilities to prepare the defence. This right must include access “to all materials that the prosecution plans to offer in court against the accused” as well as the right to confidential communications with counsels. With regard to these rights Amnesty refers to the Basic Principles on the Role of lawyers.