Ethiopia pop star freed from jail

Teddy Afro's music has been an anthem for opposition protests

Ethiopia's most famous pop singer, Teddy Afro, has been freed early from a two-year jail term for manslaughter.

He was sentenced for the 2006 killing of a homeless man in a hit-and-run incident, but denied driving the car.

His supporters say he was the victim of a political vendetta as his lyrics were identified with the opposition.

After his release eight months early for good behaviour, he told state TV that he had had "a nice time" in jail and met many good people.

"I would like to express my respect and gratitude to all the people of our country," he said.

"I was able to meet many good people in prison, from the lowest-ranking policemen to the highest administrator. I had a nice time. My relations with other prisoners were also good."

Teddy Afro, charged under his real name of Tewodros Kassahun, had originally received a six-year jail sentence.

But this was reduced in February on the grounds that the man who was killed had been lying drunk in the road.

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