Victims of IS declared martyrs

Ethiopia’s Catholic bishops  described as “Ethiopian martyrs” 30 migrant workers murdered by Islamic State in Libya, writes Ellen Teague.

The Libyan branch of IS released videos on 19 April of some being beheaded and others shot. As Ethiopia held three days of national mourning, the bishops said they “condemn in unambiguous terms this barbaric terrorist act and call upon all international communities and governments to provide protection to migrants wherever they live”.

The bishops added a special plea to human traffickers to “stop their acts”. Prayers were said jointly by Christians and Muslims across Ethiopia.