Anti-government protests are sweeping through Ethiopia and turning deadly

At least 55 people, including one US citizen, died during a stampede following a clash between anti-government protesters and policein Ethiopia on Sunday.Protests over economic conditions and widespread human rights abuses began last NovemberinEthiopia's Oromia region.Riots and violent clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement have become disturbingly common over the last year.This weekend's protest was just the latest in a string of increasingly bitter and, in many cases, fatal confrontations between the people and the government.SEE ALSO:Olympic runner who said he might be killed for protesting government will not be prosecuted, Ethiopia saysOn Sunday, people gathered during Ireecha, the thanksgiving festival celebrated by the Oromo, Ethiopia's largest ethnic group.As demonstrators began to gather during the celebration, police reportedly threw tear gas and fired warning shots to quell protesters. A stampede ensued that killed 55 people.A US citizen, 31-year-old postdoctoral student Sharon Gray, was among those who died and was the first foreigner to be killed during Ethiopia's tumultuous political climate.Source: ReutersSee the rest of the story at Business Insider
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