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Ethiopia Opposition Leader: Deadly Violence Likely to Get Worse

Amnesty International said at least 97 protesters were killed by government forces firing live bullets

An Ethiopian opposition party leader warned Monday "the situation will get worse" after a weekend of violence that left nearly 100 anti-government demonstrators dead.

"People are desperate and the government is not respecting the demands of the protesters," Mulatu Gemechu of the opposition Oromo Federalist Congress Party told NBC News in a telephone interview.

Protesters have been demanding an end to human rights abuses by the country's government and the release of political prisoners. New demonstrations have also been fueled by widespread discontent with the eroding quality of life in the country.

Amnesty International said at least 97 protesters were killed by government forces firing live bullets. There was no mention of casualties. 

There was no immediate comment from the Ethiopian government.

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