Ethiopian deaths in fire at prison 'holding Oromo protesters'

An unknown number of inmates have died after a fire at an Ethiopian prison where prominent anti-government protesters are reportedly being held.

Sustained gunfire could be heard coming from Qilinto prison, on the outskirts of the capital Addis Ababa, after the fire broke out, local media reported.

The government confirms "some" deaths, while local media report that at least 20 people had died in the incident.

There has been an unprecedented wave of protests in Ethiopia in recent months.

Photos posted on social media on Saturday showed plumes of smoke rising from the prison compound.

Reports that the fire...