SW News: The Ethiopian authorities have released some of the 17 Salesian missionaries who were arrested recently from the capital Addis Ababa. According to Fides news agency, seven Salesians, including religious brothers and laypeople, were released on Saturday, November 13. They were produced before court on Monday and they are likely to get bail.

The federal government recently declared a state of emergency amidst the ongoing conflict between government troops and rebels in Tigray region. After the emergency was announced, the government intensified its persecution of people suspected of being supporters of Tigray rebels.

On Friday, November 5, the Salesian house in Gottera in Addis Ababa was raided by police and 17 people, including employees, were arrested and taken to a secret place. They were accused of supporting the Tigray fighters.

Recently, an octogenarian Salesian coadjutor bishop was kidnapped and later released. When the news of the release of the Salesian, missionaries reached Bishop Seyoum Fransua, director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Ethiopia, he expressed happiness and said he is praying for the release of other missionaries who are yet to be released.

The federal government is tightening its grip on international organizations, especially those linked to the Catholic Church, to discourage them from supporting political activities and rebel groups.