By Jilcha Hamid
When Ethiopia’s Federal Police were called in to crack down on anticipated protests after the Eid prayer, witnesses reported horrific scenes of baton wielding police beating and chasing protesters, many of whom were hauled off to prison for taking part in the demonstration. As the crackdown continued throughout the day across the country, eye witness accounts and images continued to circulate on social media outlets, giving real-time coverage of the story that the mainstream media was unwilling or unable to provide.
In the midst of the chaotic scenes in the capital, as Federal Police moved forwards in riot formation, wielding batons at those who stood in their way, a young man unexpectedly stood in front of them and knelled down in prayer. Even more shockingly, Federal Police stood still in their tracks and looked on as the man knelled, prostrated, knelled and continued his prayer in complete serenity as if he were completely removed from the chaotic scenes around him. Lined up a few feet in front of him were the Federal Police, some still holding up their shields and batons equipped with helmets and visors while others lowered their shields probably aware of how ridiculous it looked. They continued to look about and converse with one another, waiting for the young man to complete his prayer. It was a rare gesture, but the scene emphasizes the nature of the conflict. The Federal Police arrived in riot control gear, and moved in riot control formation when there was no riot to control. They had been ordered to confront a non-violent movement with violence and brute force.
However, when faced with such a blatantly non-violent act such as prayer, some of these soldiers realized (for a moment) that their violence was uncalled for and unjustified. Similar violent crackdowns were reported across the country, and n some towns the Eid prayer was prevented altogether. In the second year since its birth, the Ethiopian Muslim movement has remained as disciplined as ever despite the violence of the regime and constant vilification from state media. When the government couldn’t find any example of Ethiopian Muslims behaving violently, they turned to fabricating stories. Interestingly enough, it seems that the Ethiopian regime does not want to be confronted by peaceful protesters. They want to be confronted by a violent riot, that they would rather be confronted by “the attack man” and not “the Salat man.”