Human Rights Watch Statement to the European Parliament

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
Committee on Development Subcommittee on Human Rights Joint Debate
Human Rights Situation in Ethiopia: Need for Stronger EU Action October 12, 2016
Testimony of Felix Horne, Senior Ethiopia/Eritrea Researcher, Human Rights Watch
Thank you for this opportunity to speak to parliament today at a critical time – both for Ethiopians and for the EU’s relationship with Ethiopia.
On October 2, in Bishoftu, Ethiopia, an unknown number of people, possibly hundreds, died during a stampede after security forces used teargas and gunfire to control a tense crowd at the annual Irreecha festival. Irreecha is an important cultural event for the Oromo ethnic group and draws millions of people each year to Bishoftu. The deaths have exacerbated pre-existing anger and frustrations throughout Oromia. Since that terrible day, there have been more anti-government protests and destruction of government buildings and properties. On Sunday, October 9, Ethiopia’s prime minister declared a six-month state of emergency......See More