Ethiopia gives amnesty to 530 prisoners

By Addis Getachew

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AA) - Ethiopia on Wednesday granted amnesty to 530 prisoners in connection with the upcoming Ethiopian Christmas, local media reported.

Ethiopia celebrates Christmas on Jan. 7.

According to local broadcaster FANA, Zinabu Tunu, public relations head of the attorney general office, said priority was given to children and women.

The number of freed prisoners since April 2018 has topped 13,000, the official said.

He said release of prisoners was part of efforts launched by the Ethiopian government to expand the political space in the country.