Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald)
“Tigrayan Advocacy for Human Rights and Justice International (TAHRJ-I)
Urgent Human Rights Appeal and Strong Condemnation
Free Tegadalay Raesi Luole and Tegadalay Zenabu Hagos – Now.
Date: 4 June 2025
Location: Global Appeal to Tigrayan and International Human Rights Institutions
Subject: Unlawful Detention and Political Persecution of TDF War Veterans – A Call for
Immediate Action
We, the Tigrayan Advocacy for Human Rights and Justice International (TAHRJ-I), issue this
urgent condemnation and global appeal regarding the unlawful detention and political
persecution of two respected war heroes and humanitarian figures: Tegadalay Raesi Luole and Tegadalay Zenabu Hagos, both of whom have been unjustly imprisoned by the Tigray Interim Administration led by General Tadesse Worede and elements of the TPLF military command structure.
Their Only “Crime”? Compassion.
Tegadalay Raesi Luole, a veteran of the Tigray Defense Forces (TDF), is detained without
charge, without due process, and without access to his legal rights – simply for his selfless humanitarian efforts supporting the widows, orphans, and families of fallen TDF fighters. His only “offense” is his unwavering commitment to dignity, justice, and the moral responsibility to care for the families of those who paid the ultimate price for Tigray’s survival.
Likewise, Tegadalay Zenabu Hagos, a principled TDF veteran known for her integrity and devotion to the people, remains illegally detained, further highlighting a dangerous pattern of authoritarian repression under the current military-backed administration.
We are witnessing the criminalization of humanitarianism and the betrayal of our martyrs’ legacy.
Condemnation of General Tadesse Worede and the TPLF Military Elites
We strongly and unequivocally condemn the illegal, unethical, and politically motivated actions of General Tadesse Worede and the “Above the Core” TPLF-affiliated generals, who continue to silence voices of justice and marginalize those committed to accountability and post-war healing.
These actions are not only a violation of basic human rights but also a shameful betrayal of the very ideals for which thousands of TDF heroes gave their lives. General Tadesse Worede has publicly promised to lead with fairness, non-partisanship, and justice. Yet, in his brief tenure, we have seen the rise of intimidation, fear, and suppression of humanitarian voices – especially those that speak on behalf of our veterans and their families.
We ask directly:
Where is the justice?
Where is the leadership you promised, General Tadesse Worede?
Why are those who care for the families of our martyrs treated like criminals?
Our Demands – Immediate and Non-Negotiable We, as Tigrayans in the diaspora and as part of the global human rights community, call for the immediate and unconditional release of Tegadalay Raesi Luole and Tegadalay Zenabu Hagos.
Their detention constitutes an illegal act under both Ethiopian constitutional law and
international human rights conventions to which Ethiopia is a party.
Furthermore, we demand:
- An independent investigation into the political persecution of TDF veterans and humanitarian activists by military and political elites within the interim administration.
- Accountability for the unlawful actions of TPLF-affiliated military generals who are abusing their power.
- Guarantees for civil liberties and protection of humanitarian actors across Tigray.
- Public apology and official recognition of the humanitarian efforts of Tegadalay Raesi Luole and Tegadalay Zenabu Hagos.
Appeal to Global and Tigrayan Civic Organizations
We urge all Tigrayan civic, diaspora, youth, religious, and women-led organizations across the globe – as well as international human rights bodies, such as:
Amnesty International
Human Rights Watch
United Nations Human Rights Council
African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights Civic Freedom Monitor
Global Rights Watch …to join us in exerting immediate pressure on the Tigray Interim Government to release these two courageous individuals and to uphold the principles of justice, dignity, and rule of law.
A Test of Our Collective Conscience
History will remember how we treat those who served with honor and chose compassion over silence. The imprisonment of Raesi Luole and Zenabu Hagos is not only an assault on individual dignity, but also a broader attack on humanitarianism and moral leadership in post-genocide Tigray.
We refuse to remain silent.
We will not allow our war heroes to be turned into political prisoners. We will not accept the distortion of justice by those who cling to failed legacies of repression.
Final Word: Let Them Be Free. Now.
We repeat with moral urgency and legal clarity:
Free Tegadalay Raesi Luole.
Free Tegadalay Zenabu Hagos.
Stop criminalizing compassion.
Stop silencing TDF’s true heroes.
We will continue to raise our voice, mobilize the global community, and hold every abuser of power accountable until justice prevails and our veterans are honored – not imprisoned.
Tigrayan Advocacy for Human Rights and Justice International (TAHRJ-I)
Global Headquarters – Cape Town | Brussels | Washington, D.C
