Addis Ababa, Feb. 22(ENA)--Representatives of cross-sections of the society and pertinent bodies from North and West Shoa zones of the Oromiya State and the Addis Ababa administration began discussing the amended draft criminal code and code of procedures here on Saturday.

Experts from the Ministry of Justice presented papers and gave explanations on the need to amend the criminal code, objectives and goals of criminal laws in federal government structures, among others.

According to them, the amendment of the 1949 E.C. criminal code was necessitated by the fact that the existing code could not conform to the social, political and economic progress of the country.

The criminal code in force failed to address issues of existing federal structure of the country as it was promulgated during the previous centralized political administrations, they said.

The experts said the revisiting of the code was further initiated with a view to incorporating the various international conventions, which Ethiopia is a signatory.

The revised draft criminal code has included provisions that would help address crimes related to terrorism, plane hijacking and corruption, among others, they said.

The provisions that would be incorporated in the criminal code and code of procedures would be based on the constitution, they said.

According to the experts, the amendment of the criminal code would expedite the justice system and ensure the respect of human and democratic rights of citizens.

Opening the discussion, head of the Oromiya State administration and justice supreme office, Degfie Bula said the revision of the criminal codes was instrumental in ensuring the rights of citizens enshrined in the constitution.

Similar discussion fora would be conducted in Nekempte and Adama towns, he said, and urged participants to enrich the draft bill with constructive suggestions.

The revised draft criminal code and code of procedure would be presented to the House of Peoples' Representatives for approval after the public hearings in regional states are concluded.

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