Ethiopia reveals results of Investigation into Crimes Committed in Somali Region

ADDIS ABABA - The Federal Attorney General has on Friday revealed the results of the investigation into the crimes committed following the violence that occurred 4-6 August 2018 in Somali regional state.

According to the results announced by Zinabu Tunu, public relations director of the office of the attorney general, a total of 58 people were killed and 266 others injured in the violence that lasted for three days.

Priests and followers of Christian Orthodox churches were in particular burnt alive inside churches and several women were raped by a youth group called ‘Hego’ and the regional state’s special police, he told journalists today.

More than 412 million birr worth properties were destroyed and robbed from churches, public institutions, residences, and businesses during the violence. Two mass graves containing the remains of 50 victims have also been found by the investigation.

The investigation team has also discovered several crimes committed prior to the start of the August investigation, including a mass grave containing 200 victims, he said

According to Zinabu, about 46 people, including former Chief Administrator of the regional state, have been suspected of committing the crime.

Police have so far arrested six of the suspects and search for the other 40 suspects continue, he said.

The director said the suspect will be charged with demolishing constitutional order, inciting violence, murder, and rape.