Ethiopian police said Tuesday 400 suspects apprehended in connection with the recent violence in the capital Addis Ababa have been released.

According to a police statement, they released 400 of the 1,787 suspects put under custody in the southern town of Zeway, whose cases have already been investigated.

Police are releasing the suspects who had been arrested following the violence and disturbance staged in Addis Ababa. The cases of the suspects are being heard at courts, police said.

On June 8, police and security forces in the capital opened fire on stone-throwing crowds who were looting shops, robbing banks, attacking police and trying to free detainees in custody. At least 36 people were killed and thousands were detained after the deadly violence.

The ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front ( EPRDF) blamed the opposition parties for inciting the worst violence seen in the capital in four years. However, the opposition parties denied they were behind the protests and ensuing violence.

The opposition parties have accused Prime Minister Meles Zenawi- led EPRDF party of massive electoral fraud. The ruling party retains control of parliament according to official election results that have not yet been ratified. Final results were scheduled to be announced on July 8.

Source: Xinhua