Connect with us
Advertisement

Africa News

The Ethiopian Government Has Been Accused Of Killing A 17-year-old Boy

Published

on

Roundabout at site of Amanuel Wondimu's execution on May 11, 2021, in Dembi Dollo town, Oromia, Ethiopia. © Nakoor Malkaa VOA
Advertisement

The Ethiopian government has been accused of killing a teenager illegally, according to a report by Human Rights Watch.

17-year-old Amanuel Wondimu Kebede was killed in Ethiopia’s Oromia region last May and is among civilians thought to have died since fighting erupted in the region three years ago.

A video posted on social media shows the last days of Amanuel Wondimu. His hands were tied behind his back, with a gun hanging around his neck and his face covered in blood as he spoke in front of the camera.

Human Rights Watch alleges that shortly after the video was taken, Ethiopian security forces ordered the teenager to flee and shot him twice in front of at least four witnesses.

Advertisement

At the time the government said Amanuel had shot and wounded a man and was said to have been involved in the murder of a journalist.

However, the allegations were denied, with strong evidence that he was a hardworking student and a preacher of his local church.

The three-year conflict between the government and the Oromo Liberation Army has left scores dead.

Advertisement

Human rights groups have accused security forces of abusing and killing civilians.