Ethiopia video shows security forces beating protesters

Video obtained by The Associated Press shows Ethiopian security forces beating, kicking and dragging several protesters in the capital over the weekend.

The protesters were arrested Saturday after a rare demonstration in Addis Ababa by hundreds of people calling for greater freedom in the East African nation.

The footage was provided by the Oromia Media Network, a U.S.-based opposition broadcasting outlet.

Opposition members and Amnesty International have said several dozen people were shot dead in the anti-government demonstrations across Ethiopia over the weekend.

The government blocked internet access over the weekend and blamed the protests on "foreign-backed forces."

Ethiopia, a close security ally of the West, is often accused by rights groups of stifling dissent.