APA-Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) At least two people were killed at the Grand Anwar Mosque in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital after security forces opened fire to crack down on protests against the demolition of several mosques surrounding the capital.
The protest came after Friday’s Salat, a ritual prayer, was over. The protesters demanded the government to stop demolition of mosques in the towns, named as Sheger town.
At least 20 mosques have been demolished in the ongoing residential houses demolition campaign by the federal government. The targeted houses’ demolition against non-Amhara ethnic groups has left more than 100,000 households homeless.
The Addis Ababa police confirmed the death of two people and injury of more than 50 others including security personnel after the protest broke out around mid-day.
Police said they have arrested 111 people who allegedly participated in the protest which also left two public buses damaged.
According to the Addis Ababa Police Commission, police have managed to put the protest under control before spreading to other places of the city.
MG/as/APA