News: Inquiry Board says it will investigate extrajudicial killings of civilians in Amhara regionNejat Girma, deputy chairperson of the State of Emergency Inquiry Board (Photo: Walta)Addis Abeba – The State of Emergency Implementation Inquiry Board has announced that it will investigate the reported extrajudicial killing of civilians by government security forces in Merawi, a town in the East Gojam Zone of Ethiopia’s Amhara region. Nejat Girma, Deputy Chairperson of the Inquiry Board, told the BBC that following a preliminary report released by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) earlier this week confirming at least 45 civilians were recently killed, the Board has decided to launch an independent investigation. The preliminary report said that civilians were subject to “extrajudicial executions” by security forces. However, several reports of the killings drew sharp criticisms both locally and from international human rights groups. The EU expressed serious concern and called for an independent investigation, while the US government demanded “unfettered access” for human rights monitors and accountability for perpetrators.

Source: Ethiopian News February 16, 2024 09:09 UTC