Image copyright AFP Image caption Feyisa Lilesa made the protest at Rio 2016 as he took silver in the marathonAn Ethiopian runner who brought the world's attention to a wave of protests in Ethiopia at the Rio Olympics has finally been awarded by his government. Feyisa Lilesa, who received $17,000 (£13,000), said his struggle had paid off given new freedoms in Ethiopia. 'No longer shackled'But sweeping reforms implemented by Prime Minister Ahmed Abiy, who came to office a year ago, encouraged Feyisa to return home last October. I'm happy because I'm witnessing my struggle being fruitful in the country,'' Feyisa told the BBC Afaan Oromoo after the ceremony. After his political protest, Ethiopian officials denied he was in danger, saying he would be welcomed home from Rio as a hero.

Source: Ethiopian News April 10, 2019 11:37 UTC