Security
Sexual Violence Survivors and Families Express Frustration Over Inadequate Justice in Ethiopia
BBC · last week · Read the Full Story on BBC
AI SUMMARY
Survivors of sexual violence and their families in Ethiopia are voicing deep frustration over judicial shortcomings, while the Ministry of Justice defends its handling of complex cases.
- Melat, a survivor of a severe acid attack that caused 33 percent burns and the loss of an eye, stated that her former husband was released after serving only five years due to reduced sentences and parole.
- Tsegaye, who was kidnapped and raped in Hawassa, felt that the 16-year sentence given to her attacker was disproportionate to her trauma and was only achieved through rigorous fighting.
- Abekyelesh Adeba, the mother of seven-year-old Heaven Awot who was raped and murdered in Bahir Dar, reported that the perpetrator's 25-year sentence was reduced to 23 years on appeal.
- The Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey indicated that 24 percent of women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence and 8 percent have faced sexual violence.
- The Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association provided legal support to over 12,000 women last year, with 1,500 of those cases involving sexual violence.
- Studies cited by the association show that only about four out of ten women report violence, and fewer than two seek both legal and health assistance.
- The Ministry of Justice stated that crimes against women and children are complex and often occur in secret, making it impossible to claim victims receive full justice, though special efforts are being made.
- Masterwal Adane, a director at the Ministry of Justice, noted that the conviction rate for cases reaching court in 2018 was 100 percent, with various sentences ranging up to life imprisonment.
- Families of victims like Keneni Adunya and Zawdu Haftu alleged that high-profile connections, political influence, and interference led to severe failures or a lack of prosecution in murder cases.
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