“Such a Brutal Crackdown”

were marching to the center of town, chanting slogans about the plan and
to release students from prison. Once we were close to the center of town,
we met a wall of police and soldiers. As soon as we saw them, they fired
teargas. I didn’t know what it was at first. Then I heard students screaming,
some students were running away, but many were on the ground, and the
police were beating them with rubber sticks. Others were grabbing students
and leading them away or throwing them in the back of trucks. I could see
this because I was far enough back that the police hadn’t got to us yet. 33
Human Rights Watch documented a similar pattern of security force response in most of
the 62 protests Human Rights Watch documented. In most locations, federal police and
military lead the response. In three locations protesters reported that security forces tried
to persuade them to disperse before firing teargas. In almost all locations, the security
forces fired teargas to disperse students and began beating those who did not leave with
wooden and rubber sticks, and occasionally whips. Hundreds of protesters reportedly
suffered broken limbs from beatings.
Moti, an 18-year-old from East Hararghe zone, said:
We were walking, demanding an end to the use of force and against the
Master plan, then we saw the police. Minutes later there was smoke and it
started burning our eyes and throats, then I remember being hit with a stick
on my arms. Then I ran away. I went to the clinic the next day because they
had broken my wrist. 34
In some places students were injured by other panicked protesters who trampled them
when teargas was fired. Hirba from near Ambo said, “It all happened quickly. Students
who were tear-gassed or were injured after being hit by the police were then run over by
students trying to get away. My friend broke his arm and another broke a rib because
students ran over them to get away.” 35
33 Human Rights Watch interview with #91, location withheld, April 2016.
34 Human Rights Watch interview with #83, location withheld, April 2016.
35 Human Rights Watch interview with #110, location withheld, April 2016.
“SUCH A BRUTAL CRACKDOWN” 22