Ethiopia: 'Special Police' Execute 10

(Nairobi, May 28, 2012) – An Ethiopian government-backed paramilitary force summarily executed 10 men during a March 2012 operation in Ethiopia's eastern Somali region, Human Rights Watch said today. Detailed information on the killings and other abuses by the force known as the 'Liyu police' only came to light after a Human Rights Watch fact-finding mission to neighboring Somaliland in April.
On March 16 a Liyu police member fatally shot a resident of Raqda village, in the Gashaamo district of Somali region, who was trying to protect a fellow villager. That day, men from Raqda retaliated by killing seven Liyu police members, prompting a reprisal operation by dozens of Liyu police in four villages on March 16 and 17. During this operation the Liyu police force summarily executed at least 10 men who were in their custody, killed at least 9 residents in ensuing gunfights, abducted at least 24 men, and looted dozens of shops and houses.