Ethiopia sentences 66 soldiers who marched on PM's office

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — Local media in Ethiopia say a court has sentenced 66 soldiers to prison after they marched on the prime minister's office earlier this year in what he later described as an attempt to derail dramatic reforms.

The state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate cites Col. Meshesha Areda, a justice official with the defense forces, as saying the sentences range from four to 14 years of "rigorous imprisonment."

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed defused the situation in October by joining the scores of armed soldiers in push-ups but later said "there were some sides who regretted I was not killed."

Abiy also has survived an assassination attempt since taking office in April and announcing sweeping economic and political reforms.

Rebellious soldiers are a rare sight in Ethiopia, a key U.S. security ally.