Article 441 — Violence and Coercion.

(1) Whoever: (a) by use of threats, coercion or violence, prevents a public servant from performing an act which it is his duty to perform, or forces him to perform such an act or an act which he is not supposed to do; or (b) strikes a public servant or his assistants or uses violence or any other act of coercion against him, is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding three years, or fine not exceeding five thousand Birr. (2) According to the gravity of the crime and the rank of the victim, where the latter has been threatened, coerced or struck by means of a weapon or other instruments, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding five years. (3) Where the assault or violence has caused physical injury or impairment of health on the victim, the relevant provision of concurrence of crimes shall apply.