The Ethiopian government says it has released about 2000 detained anti-government protesters suspected of engaging in the recent violence in some parts of the country. Defense Minister Siraj Fegessa told the media on Sunday that the detainees were released after receiving education and counseling. The minister who oversees the implementation of the State of Emergency said over 1,500 illegal weapons were retrieved and over 400 people gave up their weapons under the 10-day amnesty programme, state media FBC reported. Ethiopia declared a state of emergency on October 9 to curb the unrest which turned violent leading to damage of properties including those of local and international businesses. International bodies including the United Nations and the European Union have called on the Ethiopian government to exercise restraint against protesters.

Source: Ethiopian News October 31, 2016 09:26 UTC