Seven things banned under Ethiopia's state of emergency

Ethiopia's government has declared a six-month state of emergency in the face of an unprecedented wave of violent protests. Activists in the country's Oromia region has been holding demonstrations since last November, and protesters from the Amhara region have also joined in.

Rights groups say that at least 500 people have died during the protests.  The emergency was announced earlier this month but the government has now made clear what this means in practical terms.

Here are some of the things that are restricted:

1. Social media

You cannot use social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, to contact what are called "outside forces". In fact, any attempt to communicate with "terrorist organisations and anti-peace groups designated as terrorist" is banned. Ethiopians who post statuses on Facebook about the country’s growing political unrest could face up to five years in jail.

2. Broadcast media

You cannot watch the TV channels Esat and OMN, which are both based outside the country. The government has described them as "belonging to terrorist organizations".
These broadcasters have become some of the major sources for people wanting to know more about the protests.

3. Protests

You cannot organize a demonstration at your school or university, neither can you be involved in a political campaign that is "likely to cause disturbances, violence, hatred and distrust among the people".
University campuses were among the first places to be hit by the wave of anti-government protests.

4. Gestures

You cannot make a political gesture, such as crossing your arms above your head, or communicate a political message to the public "without permission".
The crossing-arms gesture has been seen widely at the protests in Oromia, and even made it to the Olympics when marathon runner Feyisa Lilesa used it as he crossed the line in second place in Rio in August.

5.Curfew

You cannot visit a factory, farm or governmental institution between 6pm and 6am the next day. If you violate the curfew then "law enforcement bodies have been authorised to take the necessary action".

6. Diplomats

If you are a diplomat you are not allowed to travel more than 40km (25 miles) from the capital, Addis Ababa, without permission.

7. Guns

If you have a gun, you cannot take it within 25km of the country's main roads out of Addis Ababa, and within 50km of the country's borders, even if you have a permit to carry it.