A group of people detained in last May by Addis Abeba police for violating the COVID-19 State of Emergency. Picture: Addis Abeba PoliceBy Medihane EkubamichaelAddis Abeba, August 27/2020 – Ethiopia’s COVID-19 State of Emergency Inquiry Board has recommended the release of prisoners who meet pardon and probation requirements in order to reduce the spread of the epidemic within detention centers, state run ENA reported. In a discussion with members of Parliament, the Inquiry Board, chaired by MP Peteros Woldesemayat, the Board recommended the release of inmates who meet the criteria for pardon and probation to reduce the spread of coronavirus. The recommendation comes amidst growing fears of the spread COVID-19 in congested holding centers, many of which are schools, town halls and warehouses converted into detention facilities. The Inquiry Board was set up to monitor and follow-up of executions of the COVID-19 state of emergency proclamation and its implementations.

Source: Ethiopian News August 27, 2020 14:37 UTC