The United Nations, UN, has said at least 1,000 people, mostly ethnic Tigrayans, have been detained in cities across Ethiopia since a state of emergency was declared two weeks ago.
The UN Spokesman, Stephane Dujarric who disclosed this in a statement expressed concern over reports of arbitrary arrests and detentions, which serve to widen divisions and resentment between groups.
The statement noted that the declaration, valid for six months, allows suspects to be detained without trial for as long as the state of emergency lasts.
Meanwhile, the UN Human Rights Office Spokesperson, Liz Throssell calls for all those still in detention to be immediately released, adding that if that does not happen, a court or other independent and impartial tribunal should review the reasons for their detention, or they should be formally charged.