Ethiopia has released more than 1,500 prisoners in its eastern Somali region days after the government declared a state of emergency to enhance security, government officials said on social media, Reuters reports.
“On Wednesday, over 1,500 prisoners were released following a pardon by President Abdi Mohammed Omer,” the Somali Region’s communications bureau said on Facebook late on Wednesday, referring to the regional president.
According to the Facebook statement, “the inmates had been jailed on charges that include anti-peace activities.” The statement failed to give specific details.
Since January, Ethiopia has released more than 6,000 prisoners including high-profile opposition leaders and journalists.
The country’s state of emergency comes after Prime Minister Hailemarian Desalegn resigned from office.
Ethiopia has been marred by protests by ethnic Oromo and Amharic communities claiming under-representation in power.
