7 things banned under Ethiopia's New State of Emergency- Social Media, Watching TV & More

The most recent protests were sparked by the deaths of at least 55 people at an Oromo religious festival

In the face of an unprecedented wave of violent protests which has caused the deaths of hundreds of people and which triggered fresh unrest, including the targeting of some foreign-owned businesses, Ethiopia's federal government has declared a 6-month state of emergency.

According to BBC Africa, the emergency was announced earlier this month but the government has now made clear what this means in practical terms.

Below are some of the things that are restricted:

Activists have used their mobile phones to spread news about their protests

1. Social media

You cannot use social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, to contact what are called "outside forces". In fact, any attempt to communicate with "terrorist organisations and anti-peace groups designated as terrorist" is banned.

2. Broadcast Media

You cannot watch the TV channels Esat and OMN, which are both based outside the country. The government has described them as "belonging to terrorist organisations". These broadcasters have become some of the major sources for people wanting to know more about the protests.

Protests have been frequent in Ethiopia in recent months

3. Protests

You cannot organise a demonstration at your school or university, neither can you be involved in a political campaign that is "likely to cause disturbances, violence, hatred and distrust among the people". University campuses were among the first places to be hit by the wave of anti-government protests.

Ethiopian Olympic marathon runner, Feyisa Lilesa made the crossed arms Oromo protest symbol well known around the world

4. Gestures

You cannot make a political gesture, such as crossing your arms above your head, or communicate a political message to the public "without permission".

The crossing-arms gesture has been seen widely at the protests in Oromia, and even made it to the Olympics when marathon runner Feyisa Lilesa used it as he crossed the line in second place in Rio in August.

5. Curfew

You cannot visit a factory, farm or governmental institution between 6pm and 6am the next day. If you violate the curfew than "law enforcement bodies have been authorised to take the necessary action". Government buildings and private businesses, some of them foreign owned, have been deliberately targeted by some of the protesters.

 

6. Diplomats

If you are a diplomat you are not allowed to travel more than 40km (25 miles) from the capital, Addis Ababa, without permission. The government says that this is for your own safety. Ethiopia is a close ally of the US against Islamist militancy in neighbouring Somalia.

7. Guns

If you have a gun, you cannot take it within 25km of the country's main roads out of Addis Ababa, and within 50km of the country's borders, even if you have a permit to carry it.