Ethiopia releases nearly 10,000 protest detainees

By Seleshi Tessema

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia

The Ethiopian government has released nearly 10,000 people detained under the six-month state of emergency, on Wednesday, while incarcerating another 12,500 people in a second round of detentions.

Government spokesman Mohammed Seid told Anadolu Agency that the 9,800 detainees who were released Wednesday were involved in the violent protests.

"They have gone through series of education programs, and have shown remorse for their involvement,” he said.

"But, the government has decided to bring criminal charges against 2,449 people suspected of instigating and participating in the violence,’’ he added.

The Ethiopian government had imposed a six-month state of emergency in mid-October to quell months of violent anti-government protests in the Oromia and Amhara regions.

‘’There are 12,500 people arrested in the second round of the implementation of the state of emergency, and they will go through the same process as those released today,” Seid said.