Article 249 — Treason.

(1) Whoever, enjoying Ethiopian nationality or being officially entrusted with the protection of Ethiopian national interests: (a) discloses, delivers, communicates or makes accessible to the public, to a foreign State, political party, organization, agent, a secret, a document, negotiations or a decision which the interests of Ethiopia demand shall not be divulged; or (b) while acting as a representative of the State or while entrusted with the conduct on its behalf of negotiations with a foreign power, manifestly sacrifices the interests he is called upon to defend to those of the other power; or (c) destroys, suppresses, purloins, causes to disappear or falsifies documents, papers or means of proof relating to the security, independence or vital interests of the State, is punishable .with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding fifteen years. (2) In cases of exceptional gravity directly endangering the existence or independence of the State, the Court may impose rigorous imprisonment from ten years to twenty-five years. (3) Where the criminal has acted negligently, the punishment is simple imprisonment for not less than six months, which may be increased to five years rigorous imprisonment in cases of exceptional gravity.