Ethiopia: 13 Arrested Over Killing of Oromo Opposition Figure
The Facts
Police in Ethiopia announced on Thursday the arrest of 13 people in connection with the killing of Bate Urgessa, a political officer with the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), with some reports suggesting that two of his siblings are among the detainees.
Bate, whose body was found on the roadside in his hometown Meki on Wednesday morning (local time), was reportedly abducted from a hotel room and gunned down the previous night.
The Spin
Narrative A
In light of the Reuters findings about the government-run secret killing squad operating in Oromia, it's obvious that security forces are behind the murder of Bate Urgessa. Oromo political and cultural figures have long been subject to a systematic effort to silence dissent.
Narrative B
It's irresponsible and outrageous that some political entities have decided to exploit the shocking killing of Bate Urgessa to promote anti-government propaganda and try to compensate for political losses. Investigations are underway to bring perpetrators to justice.
