{{Some 100 members of Ethiopia’s opposition Semayawi (Blue) party were arrested and some badly beaten over the weekend, the party says.}}<\/p>\n
Party chairman Yilekal Getachew said equipment such as sound systems were confiscated ahead of a rally on Sunday which was banned.<\/p>\n
Communication Minister Shimeles Kemal denied there had been a crackdown.<\/p>\n
The government said the venue had already been booked by a pro-government group condemning religious extremism.<\/p>\n
The governing EPRDF maintains strict control over public life in Ethiopia.<\/p>\n
The public protest Semayawi organised in June was the first major demonstration on the streets of Addis Ababa since 2005 when hundreds of protesters were killed in violence.<\/p>\n
It was called to demand the release of jailed journalists and activists.<\/p>\n
The rally planned for Sunday was to call for political reforms.<\/p>\n
Mr Shimeles said that any group which wanted to organise a public protest had to seek a permit.<\/p>\n
He said the authorities could not refuse to grant a permit but could insist that the event be held at a different time or place to that requested.<\/p>\n
Hailemariam Desalegn took office as prime minister a year ago, following the death of long-time leader Meles Zenawi.<\/p>\n
Ethiopia is a US ally against Islamist militants in the region.<\/p>\n
BBC<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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