Hailu Shawel said he signed apology under duress

Ethiopian opposition leader condemns government, just hours after pardon and release

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) – Ethiopia’s opposition leader condemned the government Friday, just hours after he and 37 others were pardoned and released from jail, saying he signed a formal apology under duress.

Hailu Shawel, leader of the main opposition party, said that he had no apology to make for protesting 2005 election results because, «for us it is a normal political protest.