Ethiopia: Rights council says at least 19 killed since regime declared state of emergency

ESAT News (May 29, 2017)

The Human Rights Council of Ethiopia says at least 19 people were shot and killed by regime security forces since the declaration of the state of emergency on October 8, 2017.

The Council in its 142nd special report said extrajudicial killings, mass incarcerations and disappearances have continued in Ethiopia. The Council disclosed photos and names of 19 individuals it said were shot and killed by security forces.

In west Wollega, 29 year-old Degefu Shiferaw and Megersa Bedilu, 28 were shot and killed by security forces. The report said they might have been targeted for taking part in protests.

Security forces broke into a house and killed three brothers, Maregu Jemalo, Abdisa Jemalo, and Tola Jemalo in Arsi Zone. They then buried the two brothers together in one grave, while one of the brothers was buried with Mohamed Beyano, who was also shot and killed by security forces.

The council also listed the names of hundreds of people who were detained since the declaration of the martial law.

Hundreds of protesters, 669 by the admission of the regime, have been shot and killed by security forces during the anti-government protests in 2015 and 2016. Tens of thousands of people still remain detained.