Around 50 peop were reportedly killed in a stampede near the Ethiopian capital yesterday after police fired tear gas at protesters during a religious festival, according to a photographer at the scene
Addis Ababa: Around 50 peop were reportedly killed in a stampede near the Ethiopian capital yesterday after police fired tear gas at protesters during a religious festival, according to a photographer at the scene.
Thousands of people had gathered at a sacred lake in Bishoftu to take part in the Irreecha ceremony, in which the Oromo community marks the end of the rainy season. Some participants crossed their wrists above their heads, a gesture that has become a symbol of anti-government protests.
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The event quickly degenerated, with protesters throwing stones and bottles and security forces responding with baton charges and then tear gas grenades. The tear gas caused panic and at least 50 people fell on top of each other into a ditch.
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