An unknown number of inmates have died after a fire at an Ethiopian prison where prominent anti-government protesters are reportedly being held.
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The government has said 21 inmates died in the blaze that ripped through the Qilinto complex on Saturday – but has not named any of the victims. The other two were killed while trying to escape.
Local media and opposition activists on Saturday reported that gunfire was heard from inside the prison as it burned.
Amateur videos posted online showed a thick plume of dark smoke rising from the site on the outskirts of the city.
Two buildings were damaged by the fire, materials including mattresses, blankets as well as recreation and other facilities used by the inmates were also damaged.
The cause of the fire has not been given.
Local media reports that at least 20 people may have died were contradicted by a government statement. Human Rights Watch said in June at least 400 demonstrators had been killed by security forces.
The protests have been held since November in Oromia, which surrounds the capital Addis Ababa, and the Amhara region to the north-west.
AFRICAN leaders and donor countries have been accuse of complicity in the ongoing killings that have claimed over 500 protestors at the hands of Ethiopia’s security forces.
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Authorities have blamed the unrest on opposition groups inside and outside of the country and what they have called “anti-peace” elements.
