Ethiopians clash with riot police in capital after mosque razed

Aug 11, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — Riot police fired rubber bullets and tear gas Friday at hundreds of stone-throwing Muslims who were protesting the demolition of a mosque in Ethiopia’s capital.

People screamed and fled as the clash began. Several people were bleeding in the streets. The extent of their injuries were not immediately clear.

At least one car was overturned and several others had windows smashed. Police were seen arresting at least two young men.

Commander Hailu Demsash, spokesman for the federal police, said authorities were aware of the clashes but had no details.

The mosque was demolished two weeks ago in the capital’s Merkato district, home to Africa’s largest open-air market in Africa. The reason for the demolition was not immediately clear.

(ST/Ap)