Ethiopian opposition CUD leader, his deputy arrested

Nov 1, 2005 (ADDIS ABABA) — Ethiopian security officers Tuesday arrested Berhanu Nega, chairman of the main opposition Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), on the streets of Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa.

His deputy, Hailu Shawel, was also arrested at his home, according to a lawyer for the opposition party.

It wasn’t clear what charges they may face, but Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has accused Berhanu of treason and the opposition of committing “serious” crimes in the run up to the May elections. The government has threatened legal action against the Coalition for Unity and Democracy, or CUD.

Riot police clashed with dozens of opposition supporters in Addis Ababa Tuesday, shooting dead at least five people and wounding some 28 others in renewed protests against the disputed May 15 elections, health workers said.

The arrests of the opposition leaders and the earlier clashes occurred a day after police arrested and revoked the licenses of 30 taxi drivers who took part in renewed protests against the disputed polls. In protests against alleged electoral fraud in June, police killed at least 42 people.

(AP/ST)