Last week, Abdi and five other officials were charged with "direct or indirect involvement" in instigating ethnic Somalis to take up arms against non-Somalis. Appearing in court alongside five other suspects on Wednesday, Abdi labeled the charges "concocted lies" - a response tantamount to a not-guilty plea under Ethiopian law. Abdi's arrest -- weeks after the unrest broke out -- comes amid sweeping reforms instigated by the new 42-year-old prime minister, Abiy Ahmed. Rights groups regularly accused Abdi's administration of abuses, including torture. Officials have said more charges are likely to be filed as a result.

Source: Ethiopian News February 06, 2019 17:03 UTC