Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald).
Tigray Feminist Movement Condemns Threats Against Activists and Judges Following Femicide Conviction
A prominent Tigrayan feminist movement, Yikono, has raised alarm over escalating threats against judicial officials and activists following the May 16 conviction of two men for the 2023 femicide of 27-year-old Zewdu Haftu.
In a statement issued on Friday, Yikhono expressed “deep concern” over the intimidation of judges, public prosecutors, and notably Semhal Gebregzabiher, a leading women’s rights advocate and member of the movement, who has reportedly been advised by police to flee her home region for her safety.
“We stand in unwavering solidarity with Semhal,” the statement reads, “whose pursuit of truth and justice has come at immense personal cost.”
Courts in Mekelle Shut Down Amid “Grave Security Threats”
The sentencing hearing of the convicted perpetrators was disrupted by threats of violence, forcing the shutdown of courts across the Tigrayan capital, Mekelle. According to Yikhono, no consequences have yet been announced for those responsible for the threats and disruptions, which the movement called a “chilling escalation in the erosion of judicial independence.”
Yikhono further criticized the lack of protection for Semhal, who despite filing formal reports about threats against her life, was advised by the same authorities who had previously detained her for eight months without charge to leave the region for her own safety.
“There can be no justice without safety for those who defend it,” the group declared.
Feminist Activists Under Pressure
Yikhono says this case is not an isolated one. Members of the movement say they have faced repeated intimidation from individuals and networks affiliated with the accused in femicide cases across Tigray.
The organization is calling on the Tigray Interim Administration, Justice Bureau, Bureau of Women’s Affairs, and judicial authorities to:
Safeguard the independence and security of the judiciary,
Investigate and hold accountable those who issue threats to court officials, witnesses, and human rights defenders,
And ensure gender-based violence cases are heard without political interference or fear.
Awaiting Justice for Zewdu Haftu
The final sentencing of the two convicted men is scheduled for Monday, July 7, 2025. Yikono says the verdict will be a litmus test for whether violence against women will be treated with the seriousness it deserves in post-war Tigray.
“The fight against femicide and impunity must never cost women their freedom or their lives,” Yikhono stated.
Contact:
Yikono Movement
📞 +251 935 007 515
