Nine suspected terror plotters held: Police

Ethiopian police said they are holding nine people, including two journalists and two officials from a small opposition party, on suspicion of plotting a terrorist attack.

   Deputy police director Demelash Gebremichael told journalists that the suspects, who were arrested 10 days ago, received funds from neighbouring Eritrea, with whom Ethiopia has deeply hostile relations, and disgruntled Ethiopians abroad.

   “The suspects were arrested while plotting terror and preparing to form a group to blow electricity and telecommunication infrastructures,” he said.

   “These individuals were financially backed by the Eritrean government and individuals abroad to commit an attack,” he added.

   Reyot Alemu, who writes for the weekly Fitih paper and Woubeshet  Taye, deputy director of the weekly Awramba Times — both Amharic language papers, are among those being held.

   The deputy police chief said police are also holding the president and another official from the small and little known opposition National Ethiopian Democratic party.

   The nine suspects have been interrogated by security officials and will be produced in court once the investigation into the plot is finished, he said.

   In a statement Tuesday, Reporters without Borders condemned the journalists’ arrests.

   “We demand the Ethiopian government provide an explanation without delay,” the Paris-based group said.

   The group also noted that Ethiopian law requires suspects be produced in court within 48 hours of an arrest and accused police of acting “outside all regular judicial procedure”.

   Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi regularly accuses Eritrean  leader Issaias Afeworki of supporting opposition and rebel groups in Ethiopia.