In a high-profile case, the Ministry of Justice prosecutor has filed three serious charges against six individuals, including social media influencer Yohannes Daniel, also known as “Jon Daniel” The charges include holding an aircraft, disseminating defamatory content via live video transmission, and obstructing a public servant in the course of their duties.
The Federal High Court is set to hear the case, which has drawn attention due to its complexity and the defendants’ significant social media following. While five of the defendants are charged with two crimes, Yohannes Daniel faces all three, with prosecutors highlighting his considerable online influence. With 2.3 million TikTok followers and 14 million likes, his content reaches a vast audience, potentially impacting public opinion.
The Allegations: A Viral Controversy
At the heart of the accusations is a viral video broadcast by Yohannes Daniel, in which he reportedly defamed an airline while live streaming. The prosecutor alleges that Daniel claimed he had been “kidnapped” and, spreading misinformation that damaged the airline’s reputation.
The defense lawyers contend that while the charges are serious, they should not prevent the defendants from being granted bail. They argued that overlapping charges should not be used as grounds to deny bail and that the case’s circumstances do not justify the prosecutor’s request for bail rejection.
A Fight Over Bail: Freedom vs. Flight Risk
During the trial, the defendants’ lawyers urged the court to respect their clients’ right to bail, pointing out that the charges against them, although serious, do not automatically preclude bail under the law. On the other hand, the prosecution argued that special circumstances apply. Citing the Criminal Code’s provisions, they emphasized that the charges, particularly one that could result in 15 to 25 years of imprisonment, make the defendants a flight risk.
The prosecutor specifically pointed to Elias Driba, one of the defendants, who currently lives abroad and has previously escaped from prison. Yohannes Daniel’s vast TikTok audience was also mentioned, with prosecutors suggesting that the defendants’ release could further harm the airline’s reputation through social media platforms.
Defense Stands Firm: Opposing Bail Rejection
In response, the defense argued that the prosecution’s opposition to bail was based on speculative concerns rather than facts. They emphasized that Elias Driba’s past criminal record should not influence the current case and reminded the court that no prior conviction could be used against him at this stage. They also noted that Yohannes Daniel’s social media activities should not lead to a denial of his basic rights.
Furthermore, the defense asked the court to consider the age of one of the defendants, Yidi, who is only 17 years old. They proposed that strict conditions, such as restricting access to social media and travel bans, could mitigate any potential risk if bail is granted.
Verdict Awaited
As the arguments unfolded, the court set the next hearing date for September 17, 2024, when it will decide whether the defendants will be granted bail or remain in custody. This case, involving both social media controversies and serious criminal charges, is shaping up to be a significant legal battle with implications for how digital content is regulated and its potential impact on individuals and institutions.
The court’s decision is highly anticipated, as it will likely set a precedent for cases involving social media influencers and the legal limits of their influence.
