Updated: Thursday, October 20, 2016
The Ethiopian authorities have detained more than 1,600 people under the state of emergency, a government minister has told the BBC.
A statement, quoted by state-affiliated FBC website, lists arrests in the Oromia and Amhara regions, which have recently seen massive demonstrations.
This is in addition to Monday’s arrests of 1,000 people near the capital.
The current unrest is the biggest to hit Ethiopia in more than two decades. (Photo: Reuters)
A six-month state of emergency has been declared in the face of a wave of unprecedented anti-government protests.
Under the emergency measures, people can be detained without an arrest warrant for the duration of the state of emergency.
FBC reports that a total of 1,683 people have been arrested in at least five places, including in Shashamene, 250km (155 miles) south of the capital, Addis Ababa, where 450 people have been detained.
It describes most of those arrested as “suspects in the recent violence” and adds that a large number of looted weapons had also been handed over.
Some business people have been detained for closing their shops, as have three teachers for “abandoning school”.
There is no mention where the people are being held.
—
Related:
Amnesty: Draconian Measures Will Escalate Ethiopia’s Deepening Crisis
Ethiopia: Opposition Media Say Gonder on 3-day Strike in Response to State of Emergency
7 Things Banned Under Ethiopia’s State of Emergency
Ethiopia announces new curbs as part of state of emergency measures (Reuters)
In Ethiopia’s War Against Social Media, the Truth is the Main Casualty
Ethiopia: Opposition Wants ‘Real Change’ But Views on Tactics Differ (VOA)
Once a Darling of Investors, Ethiopia Sliding Towards Chaos — The Economist
The Washington Post Editorial Regarding Ethiopia’s State of Emergency
German’s Angela Merkel Calls for Ethiopia to Open Up Politics After Unrest
Angela Merkel Signals Support for Ethiopia’s Protesters in Visit (AP)
Ethiopia: Foreign Investors Warily Eye Crackdown – The Wall Street Journal
Ethiopia Put Under State of Emergency (AP)
In Ethiopia Protesters Attack Factories, Eco Lodge and Flower Farms
American Killed in Ethiopia Identified as UC Davis Researcher Sharon Gray
U.S. citizen killed, foreign factories attacked in Ethiopia
US Says Female American Citizen Killed in Ethiopia Amid Protest
After Ethiopia Irrecha Tragedy, Renewed Calls on U.S to Take Stronger Measure
Ethiopia Protests Continue Over Fatal Bishoftu Stampede at Irrecha Festival