Ethiopia releases list of over 11,000 state of emergency detainees

Ethiopia’s State of Emergency Inquiry Board has released the names and reasons of arrest for over 11,000 people believed to have taken part in violent anti-government protests in parts of the country.

According to the state affiliated FANA Broadcasting corporate, the Inquiry board said ‘‘11, 607 people had been detained following the violence occurred in various parts of the country. About 347 of the detainees were females.’‘

Persons detained were detained at different centers across the country, amongst others; Awash, Tolay, Ziway, Dilla, Yirgalem, Bahir Dar and Addis Ababa centers.

Some of the reasons given for their arrest included creating and inciting violence, spreading terror and creating instability, burning private and public service institutions and destroying investments.

The country declared a six-month state of emergency to curtail the widening protests which started a year ago. The government declared the curfew following a discussion by the Council of Ministers on the loss of lives and property damages occurring in the country.

The government has since promised political reforms to include a wider group of citizens. A recent cabinet reshuffle by Prime minister Hailemariam Daselegn, saw key positions handed to Oromos – who are part of the minority, their region has been the center of protests.

The government had weeks back reported the release of some 2000 people after they had been counseled, it is unclear whether that figure is part of the current statistic or otherwise.

Earlier this week, the country lifted the directive which restricted diplomats from travelling beyond a-40 kilometers radius out of the capital, Addis Ababa without the permission of the command post. The restriction according to the authorities was in the interest of the diplomats.

The Chairperson, Taddesse Hordofa, said that list of the detainees will be posted at zonal and woreda levels through the regional state where the prison centers are existed.

The Inquiry Board has responsibility to make public names of individuals arrested in connection to the emergency law together with the reason for their arrest within one month.

It also has power to inspect and follow up that no measures taken during the emergency period is inhumane and bring to justice individuals who take inhumane measures.