Ethiopia releases thousands

2005-06-24 11:16

Addis Ababa - Ethiopian federal police confirmed on Friday the release of 2 665 people detained during week-long disturbances in Addis Ababa against alleged fraud in the May 15 general elections.

At least 36 people were killed and scores of others wounded by police gunfire during the violent clashes, which the government said were instigated by the opposition Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD).

The Ethiopian Human Rights Council had said over 3 000 people, mainly CUD supporters and members, were rounded up and detained in Addis Ababa for involvement in illegal demonstrations and protests.

Police said the detainees were released from federal prison in Zeway, 163km south of Addis Ababa, after investigations established their involvement in the disturbances were minor.

They said the other detainees would be released after further investigations, and the remainder would be tried in court.

Diplomats from the embassies of Ireland, Switzerland and the United States had inspected the condition of the detainees at Zeway prison during the week, police said.

A statement by the Irish embassy in connection with the Zeway detainees had indicated that their conditions were similar to those in other prisons in the country, police said.

The detainees were released due to pressure on the government by the European Union, donors and international humanitarian agencies.

They have called for an investigation into the 36 deaths during the disturbances in Addis Ababa. - Sapa-dpa

- SAPA