There are calls for the Ethiopian marathon runner famous for his pro-Oromo protest at the Rio Olympics to return home, reports the government-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporation.

“Both the Ethiopian Olympic Committee (EOC) and Ethiopian Athletics Federation (EAF) have called athlete Feyisa Lilesa to return home. He will be given a hero's welcome”, the broadcaster said in a tweet.

Feyisa refused to return home after the 2016 Rio Games, saying his life would be in danger.

As he took the silver medal, Feyisa crossed his arms above his head - a gesture made by the Oromo people who had been suffering brutal police crackdowns.

Feyisa now lives in the US with his family.