Pocono News Section

Bucknell Professor Sentenced to Death in Home Country

Bucknell Professor Sentenced to Death in Home Country - Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at 4:05PM EST

Reported by: Eyewitness News
Wednesday, Dec 23, 2009 @ 04:05pm EST
LEWISBURG, UNION COUNTY -- A Bucknell professor has been sentenced to die in Ethiopia for -- what he says is -- fighting for democracy.

Associate Professor Dr. Berhanu Nega is accused of being part of a terrorist group and conspiring to assassinate government officials. The sentencing came down Tuesday -- but he says it's simply not true.

It all stems from a 2005 election in his country. Nega was elected mayor of a town -- but was sent straight to jail by rulers who said his party stole the election.

He spent 21 months in prison -- was pardoned in 2007 -- then returned to Bucknell. Nega believes the death sentence is for show because it's an election year in Ethiopia.

He lives with his wife and two sons in Lewisburg. HeÕs hoping the United States will protect him.