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The Addis Ababa Police Commission says it has put under arrest those forces that have attempted to incite violence at the Demera celebration here at the Meskel Square on Monday.

The Addis Ababa Police Deputy Commissioner Tesfaye Meresa told ENA on Tuesday that Police have put under custody those individuals alleged to have orchestrated and involved in the havoc.

The Deputy Commissioner said Police have handled the attempted violence at the Demera celebration with extreme patience so as to enable the successful celebration of the event.

But, later, Police have launched extensive investigation that resulted in the arrest of some 32 main operators and participants in the violence.

The Deputy Commissioner said two of the detained have been found in possession of daggers, while efforts have continued to arrest similar other culprits.

The Commissioner commended the coordinated efforts of the Addis Ababa and Federal Police Commissions to jointly thwart the attempted violence perpetrated by a few individuals who, police said, tried to turn the religious festival to a political tool.

He said residents of the city arrived at the Masqal Square for the celebration with absolute calmness since early hours and the celebration was being held colorfully as scheduled.

However, he said, towards the end of the program, some groups tried to disturb the ceremony by shouting insults and clapping.

He said the clash was between those groups who attempted to stir violence on one side and the faithful, who wanted the calm not to be violated, on the other.

The Deputy Commissioner said seven police members and other civilians were struck by the stones thrown.

The windows of a nearby Mobile oil filling station were battered and some 35 decorative lamps at the Masqal square were also broken.

The Commissioner said the violence on Monday was orchestrated as a spring board for the illegal demonstration summoned by the opposition parties for October 2.

Although the government respects the rights of citizens and political parties to hold a demonstration, the Commissioner said, any activity aimed at dismantling the constitutional order by the use of force and rebellion cannot be tolerated.

He underlined that political parties and individuals engaged in such illegal actions will be bear the responsibility for any undesired outcome.

He called on citizens not to take part in any activity bent on undermining the constitutional order.

According to the Commissioner, the capacity of the Addis Ababa Police to safeguard the peace and security of residents is now better than ever before.

He also called on the public to cooperate with the police in identifying individuals engaged in instigating riot and violence.



Source: ENA