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 come after local militia fighters known as Fano seized control of major towns, which the military has since retaken. Activists and lawyers report that ethnic Amharas are being targeted in the arrests, with suspects being held at police stations, schools, and makeshift detention centers. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission has called on the federal authorities to cease the detentions, while the government denies mass arrests and claims only 23 people have been arrested.