The state of emergency gave the government power to detain citizens without charge and search homes without a warrant. Parliament's decision to lift the state of emergency came three weeks after cabinet approval. It called for the immediate release of all those arrested or detained without charge under the state of emergency. Tesfaye Beljige, chief government whip, told lawmakers the state of emergency was "causing more damage that its benefits", saying the law was restricting tourism and economic activities. But Lemma Tesema, chairman of the state of emergency inquiry board, told lawmakers on Tuesday that those who were detained under the state of emergency "will be treated by the regular legal system".

Source: Ethiopian News February 15, 2022 21:04 UTC