Ethiopian protestors released

2005-06-17 11:57

Addis Ababa - Ethiopian police have freed 336 prisoners seized after a week of political unrest in which at least 36 people were killed, officials said on Friday.

It was the first reported release since the unrest broke out over complaints from the opposition that the ruling party had stolen a May parliamentary race. Human rights organisations said thousands have been arrested across the country. More people are to be freed in the coming days, said government spokesperson Zemedkun Teckle.

"Anyone found not to have been involved in political unrest will be freed," Zemedkun said.

At least 36 people were killed when police opened fire on protesters demonstrating over alleged irregularities during last months elections. The National Electoral Board said on Thursday it had launched investigations into the results of almost 40% of the parliamentary races.

Police were unavailable for comment and have been unable to give exact figures on the numbers of arrests.

Britain has frozen a planned £20m increase in aid to finance Ethiopia's budget and called for detainees rounded up after the bloodshed to be either charged or released.

The main opposition group, the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) has said up to 120 of its staff throughout the country have been jailed. Ethiopia's main human rights group has also said police have held three of its members.

According to state media, those released were given a police warning rather than facing prosecution through the courts.

Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, known as one of the continent's more progressive leaders, has pledged his government would introduce greater democracy. Many saw the polls as a test of his commitment to reform.

- AP