2005 Ethiopian general election violence
The 2005 Ethiopian general election violence, known generally as the Ethiopian police massacre, refers to the killing of civilians by government forces during June and November 2005 which led to the deaths of 193 protesters and injury of 763 others, mostly in the capital Addis Ababa, following the May 2005 elections in Ethiopia. More than 30,000 people were detained by security forces following the election, most released in 2006.
| 2005 Ethiopian general election violence | |
|---|---|
Addis Ababa, (Ethiopia) | |
| Date | 7 June – November 2005 |
| Location | |
| Caused by | Arrest of college student Mesafint Endalew at the main campus |
| Methods | Mainly sporadic protests |
| Casualties | |
| Death(s) | 193 |
| Injuries | +763 |
| Arrested | 30,000 |
The first violent incident was flashed on 7 June 2005 at 11:20 when the police force had arrested one 4th year student Mesafint Endalew, at the main campus. Following the arrest many students marched to the police station in the camp. Despite the student released in the moment, the students immediately escalate their question towards the election votes.
Protests of the results were supposedly led by the Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD), began on 1 November 2005, and have prompted more than 60,000 arrests. Live gunfire from government forces has been directed at protesters and bystanders. All the top opposition leaders were arrested, as was the mayor-elect of Addis Ababa.