Ethiopian police says detained 32 perpetrators of Addis Ababa violence

Sept 27, 2005 (ADDIS ABABA) — Ethiopian Police says it has put under arrest some 32 persons that have attempted to incite violence at the Demera celebration here at the Meskel Square in Addis Ababa on Monday.

The Police said the violence on Monday was orchestrated as a spring board for the illegal demonstration summoned by the opposition parties for October 2.

The Addis Ababa Police Deputy Commissioner Tesfaye Meresa told ENA on Tuesday that Police have put under custody some 32 main operators and participants in the violence in the havoc.

He said two of the detained have been found in possession of daggers, while efforts have continued to arrest similar other culprits.

Although the government respects the rights of citizens and political parties to hold a demonstration, the Commissioner said, “any activity aimed at dismantling the constitutional order by the use of force and rebellion cannot be tolerated.”

He underlined that political parties and individuals engaged in such illegal actions will be bear the responsibility for any undesired outcome.

The Commissioner commended the coordinated efforts of the Addis Ababa and Federal Police Commissions to jointly thwart the attempted violence perpetrated by a few individuals who, police said, tried to turn the religious festival to a political tool.

He said the clash was between those groups who attempted to stir violence on one side and the faithful, who wanted the calm not to be violated, on the other.

(ENA/ST)