‘81 Killed’ in Protests over Ethiopian Singer’s Death

Prominent politician Jawar Mohammed has also been arrested in ensuing protests

‘81 Killed’ in Protests over Ethiopian Singer’s Death
Hachalu Hundessa - source (Reuters)

At least 81 people have been killed in Ethiopia after the death of a popular singer sparked huge protests in the Oromia region, a police chief said.

Thousands of fans had gathered to mourn Hachalu Hundessa, who was shot dead on Monday night while driving.

Police say 35 people, including prominent politician Jawar Mohammed, have been arrested.

The motive for Hachalu's killing remains unclear.

But police say they have arrested two people in connection with the killing.

Hachalu, 34, recently said that he had received death threats. He will be buried on Thursday.

His songs focused on the rights of the country's Oromo ethnic group and became anthems in a wave of protests that led to the downfall of the previous prime minister in 2018.

"So far 81 people have been killed, including three Oromia special police force members," Ararsa Merdasa, the Oromia police chief, said in a televised press briefing.

 

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Many people were injured in Tuesday's protests and there was "significant destruction to property," Getachew Balcha, the spokesperson for the Oromia regional government, told the BBC.

The authorities shut down the internet on Tuesday in parts of the country as the protests against his killing spread across Oromia region - there are reports of more unrest on Wednesday.

The military was deployed in the capital, Addis Ababa, while armed gangs roamed the streets, reports the Reuters news agency.

 

SOURCE: BBC