A group of Ethiopians are currently holding a hunger strike in front of the White House to protest the attack on free press and freedom of speech in Ethiopia, and to demand the release of jailed journalist Reyot Alemu, Woubshet Taye, Eskinder Nega and others.

The group led by young Ethiopian Liyu Genenew has arrived at the White House Lafayette Park on Thursday around midnight to stage the protest and hunger strike, which will continue until tomorrow, Sunday noon.

One American lady who was part of the hunger strike collapsed last night due to exhaustion and had to be taken to a hospital.

Liyu and her friends braved heavy rain yesterday evening and the hot weather during the day. One of the participants told Ethiopian Review that the most difficult part of the hunger strike is the sleep deprivation.