At least two killed as Oromo region special forces fire on Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church followers in Shashemene
February 4, 2023
Killing of members of the church who dared to protect the church from being occupied by the illegal groups as public anger on the position of the Prime Minister is growing
![](https://borkena.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Ayele-Mandefro-_-Gemechu-Gudina.jpg)
Two victims who were killed as Oromo special forces opened fire on the crowd in Shashemene (Photo : SM)
borkena
At least two people are killed and several others injured in Shashemene – about 261 kilometers South of Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa. One died at the spot and the other one reportedly died hours later from his injuries.
Four others have sustained injuries that could be a life threatening one, according to local sources close to the Ethiopian Church.
The incident happened in St. Michael Church in the city. What sources say is that the arrival of the illegally appointed Bishop for the Dioceses was announced and church bell ringing was heard.
Residents of Shashemene rushed to St. Michael Church to protect the church. Gates to the church premises were reportedly locked by security forces not to allow the laity to enter the church premise.
When they gathered outside the church, police, reportedly, fired gunshot to disperse the crowd. But police action did not disperse the crowd apparently – and police started to shoot live bullets to disperse it.
Oromo regional state special forces are said to be behind the killing and they are said to have used a sniper.
Tewahedo Media Center cited Melake Tsehay Kesis Yohannes Zelalem, head of Arsi Diocese Parish, as saying “The Pressure on the part of the government is strong and bitter. We all have prepared to die.”
One of the victims is identified as Ayele Mandefro who is said to be serving in the choir service of St. Mary church in the city. The other victim is Gemechu Gudina – according to social media sources. Followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church are celebrating them as martyrs while condemning government illegal action in support of the illegal group.
The update from the Holy Synod about the situation confirmed the killing in Shashemene by government forces.
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