ADDIS-ABABA (Halbeeg News) – The Ethiopian security forces on Tuesday arrested six officials of Ethiopian Somali regional state barely a day after the former leader of the state was arrested for crimes against humanity.
Dana Broadcasting Corporation reported that the federal police commission detained six additional officials of Ethiopian Somali regional state who have lost their immunity from prosecution last Sunday.
Last week, the regional state council striped immunity of seven officials, including the ex-chief administrator, Abdi Mohammed Omar.
Zeyinu Jemal, Commissioner General of the Ethiopian Police Commission who spoke to FANA said the six individuals were arrested in an operation conducted the police.
Commissioner Zeyinu further stated efforts will be made to arrest other officials who have a direct link with the violence in the regional state.
On Monday the Police in Addis Ababa arrested the former president of the Somali region on charges of human rights abuses after a series of deadly clashes earlier this month.
Monday’s arrest of Abdi Mohamed Omar, who was forced to resign earlier this month, came days after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said he would face charges following fighting in the regional capital, Jijiga, and nearby towns.
Abdi’s arrest and dismissal follow recent unrest in the region, which has left at least 20 people, including five priests, dead and forced thousands to flee Jijiga, as mobs looted properties owned by ethnic minorities and torched several Ethiopian Orthodox churches.
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