PART II

SPECIAL PART

BOOK III

CRIMES AGAINST THE STATE OR AGAINST NATIONAL OR INTERNATIONAL INTERESTS

TITLE IV

CRIME AGAINST THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE

CHAPTER I

CRIMES AGAINST JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS

Article 449.- Contempt of Court.
(1) Whoever, in the course of a judicial inquiry, proceeding or hearing,
(a) in any manner insults, holds up to ridicule, threatens or disturbs the Court or a judge in the discharge of his duty; or
(b) in any other manner disturbs the activities of the Court,
is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding one year, or fine not exceeding three thousand Birr.
The Court may deal with the crime summarily.

(2) Where the crime is not committed in open Court but while the judge is carrying out his duties, the punishment shall be simple imprisonment not exceeding six months, or fine not exceeding one thousand Birr.

(3) Where the crime is committed in open Court or during judicial proceedings with violence or coercion, the relevant provision shall apply concurrently (Art. 441) .

Article 70
Offences against the administration of justice
1. The Court shall have jurisdiction over the following offences against its administration of justice when committed intentionally:
(d) Impeding, intimidating or corruptly influencing an official of the Court for the purpose of forcing or persuading the official not to perform, or to perform improperly, his or her duties