The United Nation Offiice of High Commission for Human Rights (UNOHCHR) condemned the recent incident in Woldia, North Wello Zone which claimed the lives of six civilians and one security officer.
The Commission in its statements issued today, January 23, 2018, called the tragedy regrettable.
“We are extremely concerned by the use of force by security officials against worshippers celebrating the Ethiopian Orthodox festival of Epiphany this weekend that left at least seven people dead and a number [of worshippers] injured,” reads the statement.
Further, the commission stated that the incident “reportedly took place when the security forces tried to stop people from chanting anti-government songs and allegedly opened fire on them. Protesters reportedly later blocked roads and destroyed a number of properties.”
“This incident is all the more regrettable, as it comes just two weeks after Ethiopia’s ruling coalition, the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front, officially announced its intention to undertake reforms,” the statement lamented.
Finally the commission called for independent and impartial investigation of the incident and insisted on ensuring that those responsible of the violation to be accountable.
