The Eritrean exile conflict

  

Photo from Tel Aviv. Ohad Zwigenberg / AP

The Eritrean exile conflict
Three exiles in a huge brawl in Israel – over 160 injured

At least 160 people have been injured in violence in Tel Aviv in Israel between supporters of the Eritrean regime and the opposition in Eritrea, the Jerusalem Post reports.

People from both sides are said to have, among other things, thrown stones, been beaten with various implements and smashed shop windows. Police were forced to intervene with stun grenades and tear gas. Almost 50 police officers were injured. On Saturday evening Swedish time, the situation is said to be calmer.

Similar violence erupted at an Eritrean festival in Norway's Bergen on Saturday, where protesters tried to stop a celebration organized by supporters of the regime.

Today marks 30 years since the current government in Eritrea took power.

At the beginning of August, over 50 people were injured on Järvafältet north of Stockholm in connection with an Eritrean cultural festival.

Picture from Bergen, 2 September. Tuva Åserud / NTB

Eritrean festival in Norway degenerated: "Unacceptable"

An Eritrean celebration in Bergen, Norway on Saturday resulted in violence between supporters of the Eritrean regime and regime-critical compatriots. According to Norwegian media, there has been stone throwing both between the groups and at the police.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre says that what happened is "totally unacceptable".

- Here in Norway, we deal with differences of opinion and contradictions without violence, he says according to VG.

The festival is organized annually by people who support the Eritrean regime. The celebration is meant to mark the anniversary of the Eritrean War of Independence.