Mass Arrests in Ethiopia: Lawyers and Witnesses Speak Out

Ethiopian authorities have carried out mass arrests of hundreds, possibly thousands, of people in the capital, Addis Ababa, following deadly unrest in the Amhara region. The arrests are believed to be targeting ethnic Amharas, with suspects being held at police stations, schools, and makeshift detention centers. The state-appointed Ethiopian Human Rights Commission has called for the detentions to cease. The federal government denies mass arrests, stating that only 23 people have been arrested under the state of emergency. The commission has confirmed heavy fighting in the Amhara region, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to property.