Ethiopia Political Protests Deadly

Medical Officials Claim Police Killed 40 Since Violence Began

(AP) 
Prime Minister Meles Zenawi told the state media that the main opposition Coalition for Unity and Democracy was responsible for the damage and loss of life that occurred during the protests. Opposition officials would be charged in court, he said.

Protesters in Bahar Dar, a tourist site northwest of Addis Ababa, stopped a bus carrying 20 European tourists, including Spaniards, and tried to set it on fire using cans filled with petrol. Police fired in the air to disperse the rioters and the bus drove off, said Dario Morello of Greenland Tours.

"The tourists were terrified. The situation is not good," he said.

Diplomats from four European countries told The Associated Press on Friday they had reports from opposition members and other contacts of police rounding up suspected opposition supporters overnight.

An estimated 3,000 people had been detained, according to the diplomats, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they wanted to avoid jeopardizing relations with the government. However, they acknowledged that it was not possible to verify the number.

The government later released a statement saying it had brought the violence under control, adding that Addis Ababa "has become totally peaceful."

"On the other hand, similar but very limited violence trend happened Bahar Dar, Awassa, Gondar, Dessie and Dire Dawa," according to the statement. "However, these were brought under control after a short while."

Ambassadors from 21 countries that donate large sums of money to Ethiopia issued a statement expressing concern at the violence, calling for an urgent investigation and recommending all political detainees be either charged or released.