The Ethiopian government is charging 1000 birr (50 USD) to families who went to morgues to collect bodies of their loved ones who were killed in the anti-government protest in Oromia, Chairman of the Oromo Federalist Congress, Dr. Merara Gudina told ESAT on the phone.
Dr. Merara said families of the victims were also forced to sign a letter saying their loved ones were killed “while taking part in terrorism activities,” before they receive the bodies.
The news came as a shock to Ethiopians but many say they were not surprised as it is the nature of the brutal government in Ethiopia. “Oromia region is under a military rule,” Dr. Merara said from Addis Ababa.
OFC estimates at least 85 people were killed in the last three weeks and over 2000 were rounded up and detained by the regime’s Special Forces. Dr. Merara said some of those arrested were members of his party who took part in the last election and who have nothing to do with the protest.
Source: ESAT News (December 23, 2015)