Article 490 — Disturbances of Meetings or Assemblies.

(1) Whoever, by word of mouth, by threats, violence or force, or in any other way, unlawfully invades or disturbs, hinders or disperses a meeting or any assembly duly authorized by law, is punishable with simple imprisonment not exceeding six months, or fine not exceeding one thousand Birr, (2) Where the crime relates to a meeting or an assembly of a public authority, to an official board or commission, or to the conduct of elections, public auctions or any other lawful public activity, whether political, administrative, executive or judicial, simple imprisonment shall be for not less than three months, and fine shall be for not less than five hundred Birr.