Protest in Stockholm over Ethiopian opposition crackdown

STOCKHOLM, June 9, 2005 (AP) — About 60 people demonstrated in Stockholm Thursday against the crackdown on the opposition in Ethiopia.

The protesters, most of them Ethiopians, dispersed peacefully after the morning rally outside the Ethiopian Embassy, police spokesman Bjorn Pihlblad said.

The demonstrators called on the international community to suspend aid to Ethiopia and urged the Ethiopian government to stop the violence there.

Ethiopian security forces opened fire on stone-throwing protesters in the capital Wednesday, leaving at least 22 people dead, the Ethiopian government said.

“We are very frustrated. That’s why we are here to show the embassy that we do not accept such actions. This is 2005 and it is unacceptable to behave in this way,” said Daniel Halo, one of the demonstrators in Stockholm.

E.U. observers said some opposition politicians have been placed under house arrest following the ruling party’s reelection in last month’s vote.