166 killed in Ethiopia riots over singer's death: police

ADDIS ABABA, July 5 (Xinhua) -- At least 166 people were killed in Ethiopia after a popular singers death sparked violent protests which resulted in riots in the countrys Oromia region and capital Addis Ababa, police sources said Sunday. Girma Gelam, Oromia regions police deputy commissioner, told media on Saturday night that 156 people have died in the riots, including 11 members of security forces. Police in Addis Ababa said Tuesday that 10 people were killed in the riots, including two police officers. Hachalu Hundessa, a singer who focused on the rights of the countrys Oromo ethnic group and became a popular voice in a wave of protests that led to the downfall of the previous prime minister in 2018, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen on Monday. Following his death, huge protests erupted in Addis Ababa and Oromia region, the homeland of the Oromo people. According to media reports, the authorities have shut down the internet in parts of the country to curb the spread of the protests. About 2,200 people were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the riots, government sources said, adding that the protests and riots had been under control as of Saturday.

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166 killed in Ethiopia riots over singer's death: police