Ethiopian Pop Star Teddy Afro Convicted Of Manslaughter

December 2, 2008 10:40 a.m. EST

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (CNS) - Pop star Teddy Afro, one of Ethiopia's most popular singers, has been convicted of manslaughter of a homeless man in a hit-and-run two years ago.

Real name Tewodros Kassahun, Afro was found guilty of running a man down with his car and fleeing the scene without reporting the incident. He was also charged and found guilty of driving without a permit by the federal high court of driving.

Afro, who was arrested in April in connection with the accident, is currently awaiting sentence on Friday. He could spend five to fifteen years in jail.

The singer pleaded not guilty and offered his earlier defense that he was out of the country at that time. However, Judge Leul Gebremariam dismissed his alibi and convicted the singer.

The judge said as quoted by AFP, "The court did not find the defendant's counter evidence as substantial enough to drop the charges presented by the prosecutor."

"Therefore, the defendant has been found guilty and he will appear in court on December 5 for sentencing."

Afro maintains his innocence as the verdict was pronounced, shouting, "Justice has not been served! I have been deprived of justice! I didn't kill anyone."