Tigray Judges Association warns of rising pressure in rape, murder cases; cites threat to judicial independence

Addis Abeba– The Tigray Judges Association has expressed concern over what it described as growing “internal and external” pressure on judges handling rape and murder cases in the region, warning that such interference is threatening judicial independence and the safety of judges.

In a statement issued on 05 April, the Association stated that “rape against women and murders have increased” in the region, particularly over the past two years, describing the rise as occurring “at an unprecedented rate.”

The Association said judges working on these cases are experiencing pressure “in various ways” and noted that such interference is taking place “both during and after trial proceedings.” It warned that unless these pressures are addressed, they could make it difficult for judges to “review cases independently and impartially.”

The Association’s concerns come amid a broader context of rising public alarm in response to gender-based violence and killings in the region. In late June 2024, large protests were held in Mekelle’s Romanat Square, where women demanded justice and an end to what they described as unchecked violence against women.

The demonstrations were followed by a joint statement from 27 civil society organizations based in Tigray, which condemned widespread violence—including rape, kidnapping, and murder—and criticized the regional government for what they called a failure to enforce accountability.

A previous Addis Standard article also outlined the growing crisis, highlighting cases such as the kidnapping and murder of 16-year-old Mahlet Teklay in March 2024 and the February 2024 kidnapping of a family member of Mehari Kebede.

“These pressures must stop immediately,” the statement from the Association urged, adding that they not only obstruct independent judicial work but also “put the safety of judges at risk.”

The Association called on relevant authorities to work closely with regional courts and provide what it described as “special attention,” noting that without such support, some judges might “refuse to work out of fear for their safety.”

Linking the pressures to broader challenges, the Association mentioned that “the current political and economic situation” in the region has contributed to interference in judicial affairs. It also pointed to what it called “character assassination campaigns,” which it said are targeting judges and judicial institutions through media and other communication platforms.

The Association identified the regional Women’s Bureau as among those “creating pressure on judicial decisions.” It cited a recent statement from the Bureau regarding a court decision to sentence an individual to life imprisonment for the killing of Lidiya Alem, who, according to media reports, was killed by her husband just four days after her wedding.

According to the statement, the Bureau had said the ruling was “not instructive considering the severity of the brutal crime committed” and requested “a more instructive sentence.” The Association said such statements amount to interference, stating that while there are legal channels to appeal decisions, “issuing blanket public statements at the bureau level” creates “pressure on the judges who passed the sentence and those who will handle the appeal.”

The Association stressed that this type of interference “prevents judges from working independently and impartially” and said it “must be corrected immediately and not repeated.” AS

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