Borkena
Toronto – A day after reports of the arrest of 105 youth in Addis Ababa over listening to the newly released Teddy Afro album, the Ethiopian government has confirmed that it has arrested 138 suspects. It made grotesque allegations including links to Alshabab and ISIS.
Fana Broadcasting Corporation, state owned media, on Sunday reported that it has received a statement from The National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) regarding the arrest of “138 suspects who were communicating with armed terror and extremist groups operating in the jungle to impose their will by force.”
The identities of the suspects are undisclosed at the time of this writing. The circumstances under which they are arrested and the locations of their arrest is not specified either.
NISS alleges that the “Suspects received a mission and were planning to disrupt the upcoming national election.”
Furthermore, the intelligence department alleges that ” they were supplying the armed groups with ammunition, fire arms, radio communications, cellular phones and SIM cards, and collecting logistics with a plan to disrupt the election in selected towns and kebeles, and incite ethnic and religious based violence.”
NISS is also linking some of the “suspects” to more crimes including “human trafficking,” Alshabab and ISIS operation, and contraband business. Economic sabotage activity with a plan to create a shortage of consumption goods supply is another allegation that the government is making in connection with the arrest.
According to the state-owned media report, the arrest was made on Friday – that is a day after the Teddy Afro Album premiered on Youtube with over 3 million views in a few hours. Notably, Ethiopian government banned press conference planned days before its release.
The Federal Police, Ethiopian Defense Force and regional security forces were involved in making the arrest – NISS has disclosed.
Meanwhile, citizens’ reports emerging on social media seem to show that dozens of youth have been arrested over listening to Teddy Afro’s Music.
A social media source cited a mother, whose name is unspecified probably for security reasons, as saying “her daughter was arrested while listening to Teddy Afro‘s song.” Prime Minister Abiy led Prosperity Party government seems to link the release of the album to a possible popular protest.
Despite over 48 hours since the arrest, there is no indication that the “suspects” appeared in court.
Analysts and activists are speculating more arrests including opposition party leaders and journalists – among others – ahead of the national election which is scheduled for June this year.
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I have no sympathy for those who were caught in league with known terrorist like Shabbab and ISIS. But arrested for listening to the music by their icon? That is what I’ve been saying why I’m strongly against any calls for nationwide or localized demonstration by the opposition. What I’ve been hearing is the current regime has sizeable supporters among the public and security forces. So any public demonstration however peacefully it is at the beginning will most likely turn violent.
Dear Editors,
Borkena has been my waterhole where I get the latest scoop about the old country we all left behind. That was where I learned about the 138 terrorists apprehended and in prison now. It was also reported on few other news outlets. But I did not find anywhere else about the 109 young people who are arrested for listening the latest songs by their music icon. I just want to make sure some connivers told you about it just to make you look bad just like loose lip who almost got you in trouble by posting an article in which he falsely accused a pastor who went there just to preach the Holy Scriptures. I just want to make sure you are not being set up by bigots and connivers.
Blessings to you and your family.
Very good observation – I did the same but could not find any other news outlet with such story. Regarding the 138 arrests, the names and pictures were released with the NISS statement. I agree, this type of reporting not good and editors need to take corrective measures as soon as possible.
Ditto here! I’m sure the over-qualified editors of this esteemed website will look into the matter and sort it out. I’ve listened to the tracks on You-Tube and I like the reggae beat in them. My most favorite music genre is jazz followed by soul and blues. Reggae has jazz ingredients in it. I don’t understand his lyrics except those with English subtitles. But they come with vibrant rhythms and pleasant melodies. I tried to bust the move with one of them but my high mileage legs refused to cooperate.