Key politicians and journalists have been re-arrested by security forces in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa after they were released from jail recently.
Local media reported that a total of 12 people were arrested in the latest crackdown.
A lawyer who represented a number of the detainees, Amha Mekonnen told the Associated Press that the arrests happened on Sunday.
He said those arrested are accused of displaying a prohibited national flag. “I also understand they were accused of gathering en masse in violation of the state of emergency rule,” Mekonnen is quoted as saying.
Journalist Eskinder Nega, former opposition figure Andualem Arage and journalist Temesgen Desalegn are the most prominent of the group.
Ethiopia’s government in February imposed a state of emergency after Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn resigned.
Desalegn departure came at a time when the country had witnessed series of anti-government protests in Ethiopia’s largest regions, Oromia and Amhara.
Protests and publications that could spark violence have also been banned during the state of emergency.
Ethiopia has witnessed repeated violent demonstrations since 2015, with protesters calling for political and economic reform, and an end to state corruption.
Source: Africafeeds.com
