Worshippers clash with Ethiopian police

ADDIS ABABA: Ethiopian police using tear gas briefly clashed with young Muslims in Addis Ababa yesterday during prayers to mark the end of Ramadaan, reports said.

The incident occurred outside the international stadium in the heart of the capital, where prayers were scheduled to celebrate the Eid al-Fitr holiday at the end of the Muslim holy month.

Unable to gain access because the stadium was full, some worshippers began to pray outside in Meskel Square.

The Addis Ababa High Council of Islamic Affairs said that the cause of the confrontation was unclear. A policeman fired tear gas at the crowd but “it was unintentional”