Ethiopians rally against ISIS killings as dozens arrested

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

April 22, 2015 (ADDIS ABABA) – Dozens of Ethiopian opposition members were arrested on Wednesday in the capital Addis Ababa after they clashed with police during a government organised rally aimed denounce Islamic State organisation (ISIS) killings against Ethiopian Christians in Libya.

A 29-minute long video released online on Sunday by ISIS group in Libya showed the beheadings and shootings of some 30 Ethiopian Christian migrants.

Hundreds and thousands of angered Ethiopians on Wednesday took to the streets in Addis Ababa and gathered at the heart of the capital in Mesqual Square where the prime minister, government officials and other religious leaders addressed the public to condemn the barbaric act and show solidarity with the families of victims.

While the public demonstration was ongoing, clashes broke out between police and an estimated 200 members of the opposition Semeyawi (Blue) party.

A Police official told Sudan Tribune that at least 50 people including seven leaders of the position party were arrested.

The clashes erupted after police fired tear gas to disperse protesters who officials said had different political agenda on the pretext of the public demonstration.

However, opposition members told Sudan Tribune that they demonstrated to voice their protest against the government’s little response to protect citizens abroad and particularly in Arab nations not only in Libya but also in Yemen, and South Africa.

Government communications affairs minister Redwan Hussein said some seven policemen were injured during the scuffle with protesters today.

Eyewitnesses said dozens of protesters were injured with one at hospital in serious condition.

In an emergency session on Tuesday, the Ethiopian parliament declared three days of national mourning.

Accordingly, the Ethiopian flag is flying at half mast across the country and at Ethiopian embassies worldwide to remember those killed in Libya and also to those deceased in the recent violence in South Africa.

(ST)