About 2,000 people are facing charges over violence that erupted in Ethiopia after the June killing of an iconic pop star from the Oromo ethnic group. “The current figure we have is about 2,000 suspects are being charged for their participation in the violence that has taken place in Oromia regional state,” he said during a news conference. More than 9,000 people, including journalists and prominent opposition politicians, were caught up in subsequent mass arrests that stoked criticism towards the prime minister. Among the most high-profile opposition politicians set to stand trial is Jawar Mohammed, a former media mogul-turned-politician who was once considered an Abiy ally. “Although suspects now charged include politicians, no one has been held for their political activity,” the attorney general said.

Source: Ethiopian News September 24, 2020 18:45 UTC