A report authored by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has found that “crimes against humanity were committed by inpiduals and groups who directly participated in the violence and secure the crisis that swept through Oromia Region following the death of musician Hachalu Hundessa on June 29, 2020.”
EHRC, whose report was released today, Friday, revealed that its team “visited over 40 different localities in Oromia Region in the course of several days as part of its investigation into human rights abuses committed there between June 29 – July 2, 2020.”
In a press briefing held today morning, Dr. Daniel Bekele, EHRC chief commissioner, said, “The attacks were carried out by organized groups serving higher agendas.
After they announced Hachalu’s death, people started pouring out to the streets to express grief which slowly turned into violent riots. These violent riots soon turned into episodes of killing by means of strangulation, stabbing, and other means of assault.
Due to the nature and intent of the attacks, these crimes are considered offenses against humanity.
The number of causalities confirmed by an EHRC’s report contradicts Oromia Regional State’s report, which said 176 people, including ten security forces, were killed in the unrest.
Corroborating EHRC’s detailed report, Daniel further highlighted that security forces turned a blind eye to the attacks against Ethiopian civilians. “In some instances they blatantly refused to respond to calls of help by arguing that they didn’t get orders from the top and they were not required to look after private businesses, protecting only government and religious institutions."
However, in places where security forces were prepared, further damage was averted."
Nevertheless, the commissioner of EHRC added that the situation “was life-threatening for the security forces to contain the violence because it was carried out suddenly and by mobs in large numbers. “
He also highlighted incidents when “victims were prevented from accessing medical services by security forces.
In some instances [security forces] entered hospitals and threatened healthcare professionals who were treating victims.”
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