After intensified protests that left businesses and government property destroyed, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Hailemariam Desalegn declared a six month state of emergency on October 9.
The SOE declared is growing more cruel each day as the Government has banned posting of updates on the current status of the country.
According to Quartz, watching Oromia Media Network and Ethiopian Satellite Television and Radio, outlets run by the Ethiopian diaspora supportive of the protesters, are also illegal.
Under the state of emergency, all expressions or communication that could incite violence have been banned, including the now famous protest gesture of raised hands, crossed at the wrist. Authorities can search and detain citizens without prior approval. Discussing issues with foreigners that could incite violence or communicating with groups deemed terrorists is also illegal.
Listening to Voice of America or German Radio has also been banned. Diplomats have been barred from traveling more than 40km (25 miles) outside of the capital without prior approval. To protect businesses and government property, a 6pm curfew around major infrastructure projects, farms, government institutions, and factories has been put in place.
Siraj Fegessa, Ethiopia’s Minister of Defence also stated that the military command will take action on those watching and posting on social media outlets. Those who violate the terms of the state of emergency risk imprisonment of three to five years.
It has been reported that no fewer than 500 lives have been lost in the last year since protests began in response to a government plan to expand the capital Addis Ababa that could have encroached on Oromo land. The Prime Minister admitted that “When you add it up it could be more than 500.”
.