Stampede kills dozens at Ethiopia protest
Addis Ababa 2 Oct - (ANA) - Dozens have been killed and injured in Ethiopia's Oromia region after security forces confronted protesters at a festival, witnesses say. Some people died in a panicked stampede after police employed tear gas, rubber bullets and baton charges, they said. Thousands had gathered for a religious festival in Bishoftu, 40km (25 miles) from the capital Addis Ababa. Some reports said police responded after anti-government protesters threw stones and bottles. Others said demonstrators were entirely peaceful. Ethiopia's government said in a statement that "lives were lost", adding: "Those responsible will face justice". An Oromo activist, Jawar Mohamed, is quoted as saying nearly 300 people were killed and many more injured. He said troops and a helicopter gunship had opened fire, driving people off a cliff and into a lake.(ANA)
FA/ANA/2 October 2016------