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ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia
Charges have been brought against more than 2,000 suspects in connection with the murder of Oromo activist and singer Hatchalu Hundessa, and the resulting violence, the Ethiopian government announced Thursday.
The killing in early July sparked widespread violence in various parts of Oromia and the capital Addis Ababa, resulting in the death of hundreds and the destruction of considerable property, Attorney General Gedion Timothewos said at a press conference. He was accompanied by Billene Seyoum, a spokeswoman for the prime minister’s office.
The investigations were carried out in July with pre-trial activities in August, and charges are now being brought against those who allegedly instigated, incited and directed the violence after the murder.
“This has been a coordinated effort since charges were filed in different jurisdictions,” he said, indicating that judicial processes are being carried out at the regional and federal levels depending on the nature of the alleged crimes committed.
He said at least 160 people were killed and 360 injured in the riots, adding that minority groups were the target.
Properties worth 4.6 billion Birr ($ 125.5 million) were also destroyed, including a multi-million dollar complex owned by legendary athlete Haile Gebreselassie in the south-central city of Shashemene, it added.
“Although the suspects now charged include politicians, no one has been arrested for their political activity,” the attorney general said.
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