Article text
(1) Whoever intentionally, directly or indirectly, creates within the country a grave state of misery, want or famine, epidemic or epizootic disease or distress, especially by improperly hiding or hoarding, destroying or preventing the transport or distribution of grain, foodstuffs or provisions, or remedies or products necessary to the life or health of man or domestic animals, is punishable with rigorous imprisonment not exceeding fifteen years.
(2) Whoever, in time of such distress, fails to fulfil, or to fulfil properly, without justification of force majeure, the obligations or liabilities incumbent upon him, whether as a purveyor, middleman, sub-contractor, carrier or agent, or in any other capacity, in respect to the delivery or handing over of provisions, remedies or any other products to be used to prevent, limit or arrest the distress, is punishable under sub-article (1).
(3) Where the crime is committed for gain, the punishment shall be rigorous imprisonment not exceeding twenty years, and fine not exceeding one hundred thousand Birr.
