PH
At least 10 people have been killed and dozens others injured in violent anti-government demonstrations in Ethiopia.
News of the deaths in the Oromia region emerged as the government yielded to protesters’ demands and freed hundreds of jailed suspects.
The release of jailed politicians and journalists was one of the key demands of the opposition in Oromia, who had called for a three-days boycott on work and businesses to put pressure on the government.
More than 700 people who have been facing charges or convicted were pardoned on Wednesday.
They included renowned journalist Eskinder Nega and dozens of opposition politicians who’ve been accused of having links to terror groups and inciting their supporters to violence.
The release sparked celebrations in various parts of the country.
Calm has now returned to many places in Oromia region where transport and businesses had been disrupted for days as protests raged on.
The release of imprisoned politicians is among key demands of protesters who have been demonstrating since 2015.
They also want greater political and economic reforms and an end to state corruption.
Hundreds of people have died over that period with security forces facing local and international condemnation for using lethal force against civilians.
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