Hachalu Hundessa: 'Eighty-one killed' in protests over Ethiopian singer's death

[muriel_volestrangler]

At least 81 people have been killed in Ethiopia after the death of a popular singer sparked huge protests in the Oromia region, a police chief said.

Thousands of fans had gathered to mourn Hachalu Hundessa, who was shot dead on Monday night while driving.

Police say 35 people, including prominent politician Jawar Mohammed, have been arrested.

The motive for Hachalu's killing remains unclear.

But police say they have arrested two people in connection with the killing.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-53243325

[muriel_volestrangler]

1. 166 die during protests after shooting of Ethiopian pop star

At least 166 people have died during violent demonstrations that roiled Ethiopia in the days following the murder of popular singer Haacaaluu Hundeessaa, police said Saturday.

Pop star Haacaaluu Hundeessaa, a member of the Oromo ethnic group, Ethiopia’s largest, was shot dead by unknown attackers in Addis Ababa on Monday night, fuelling ethnic tensions threatening the country’s democratic transition.
...
Officials have attributed the deaths to a combination of lethal force by security officers and inter-ethnic violence.
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Haacaaluu’s music gave voice to Oromos’ widespread sense of economic and political marginalisation during years of anti-government protests that swept prime minister Abiy Ahmed to power in 2018.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/04/166-dead-following-protests-at-shooting-of-ethiopian-pop-star