Ethiopia Detains 63 On Suspicion Of Human Rights Abuses, Corruption

Police have detained a total of 63 individuals on suspicion of committing human rights abuses and corruption.

Attorney General Berhanu Tsegaye told local journalists today the detention comes after five months of investigation.

He said 36 of the suspects were detained in connection with rights violations committed against prisoners jailed in connection with terrorism.

The remaining 27 individuals were detained in connection with serious corruption case.

He said the investigation carried out on the Metals and Engineering Corporation (METEC) have showed that an over $2 billion worth procurement was made without official bidding process from abroad, including ship and airplane, between 2011 and 2017.

The Corporation also carried out billions of birr local procurement without officials bidding process, he said.

Moreover, the investigation on the June 23 bombing at a rally staged in Addis Ababa indicated that the attack was masterminded by the former head of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) of Ethiopia, he noted.

He further said that seven secret detention centers were discovered in Addis Ababa.

According to the Attorney General, charges against the suspects will be filed soon.

SOURCE:FANABC