The Criminal Code of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Proclamation No. 414/2004.

The Criminal Code of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia repeals the former 1957 Penal Code. The Code establishes the general principles of Ethiopian criminal law, including legality, equality before the law, territorial and extraterritorial application, criminal responsibility, intention and negligence, participation in crimes, liability of juridical persons, justifications and excuses, sentencing principles, penalties, limitation periods, pardon, amnesty and reinstatement. Its stated purpose is to ensure order, peace and the security of the State, its peoples and inhabitants, by preventing crimes, prescribing penalties and measures, punishing offenders, deterring further offences and promoting rehabilitation. The Special Part defines and penalises a broad range of offences against the State, international law, public confidence, public office, administration of justice, public order, public safety, public health, individuals, family, property and economic interests.
The Code addresses public health, environment, agriculture, livestock, food safety and natural resources. The Code criminalises the spreading of human and animal diseases, propagation of agricultural or forest parasites, contamination of water and pastureland, environmental pollution, mismanagement of hazardous wastes and materials, acts contrary to environmental impact assessment requirements, creation of distress or famine, and the production, adulteration or sale of injurious foodstuffs, fodder and products harmful to livestock. It also contains provisions concerning protection of flora and fauna, protection of historical, artistic and natural riches, control of foodstuffs, beverages and other commodities, toxic substances and drugs, and offences involving property or natural resources. The Code further provides criminal sanctions and related measures applicable to natural and juridical persons, including fines, confiscation, sequestration, restitution, compensation, compulsory labour, imprisonment, preventive and protective measures, suspension or withdrawal of licences, prohibition or closure of undertakings, and other restrictions. It also regulates offences involving corruption, economic crimes, counterfeit goods, falsification and adulteration, hazardous substances, public safety, communications, harmful traditional practices, trafficking, family duties and property offences.