ADDIS ABABA: Opposition politicians and journalists caught up in recent mass arrests in Ethiopia have been denied access to lawyers while being held in conditions that make them vulnerable to the coronavirus, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Saturday. "The authorities should promptly bring credible charges based on clear facts and evidence against the detainees or ensure their release." Among the detainees are high-profile opposition politicians and journalists from multiple outlets. Abiy´s office and Ethiopia´s attorney general did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Saturday. Abiy has repeatedly stressed that anyone involved in the violence in June and July would be held to account.

Source: Ethiopian News August 16, 2020 00:54 UTC