Activists in Ethiopia said that seven students have been killed by security forces in a two week span as they gathered to demonstrate against the government’s plan to expand the capital, Addis Ababa, into Oromia.

Authorities said that they can confirm three deaths in what they described as provocations by “anti-peace elements”.

Pictures of students injured during protests have surfaced over social media and demonstrators said hundreds of protesters have been detained by police.

Student protesters said that the government’s plan will displace Oromo farmers and undermine Oromia’s special interests which are protected under the Ethiopian constitution.

Student activists said that they already lack schools, hospitals and cultural institutions and that the government has marginalized and discriminated against them far too long.