Outrage in Ethiopia Over Light Sentence for Man Who Raped and Killed 7-Year-Old

Outrage in Ethiopia Over Light Sentence for Man Who Raped and Killed 7-Year-Old

Ethiopia is in uproar following the sentencing of Getnet Baye to 25 years in prison for the rape and murder of seven-year-old Heaven Awot. Many citizens and advocacy groups argue that this punishment is far too lenient given the horrific nature of the crime.

Heaven was attacked by Getnet, who was her mother’s landlord, in August of last year in Bahir Dar, located in the Amhara region. Getnet has announced plans to appeal the sentence, and the case is set to return to court in October.

Heaven’s mother, Abekyelesh Adeba, expressed profound grief, saying she feels “lifeless” after the loss of her daughter. Over 200,000 people have signed an online petition demanding a harsher sentence and expressing support for Abekyelesh.

The Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA) has criticized the 25-year term as “very light,” arguing that life imprisonment or even the death penalty would be more fitting given the crime’s severity and the victim’s young age. Government officials, including Minister for Women and Social Affairs Ergogie Tesfaye, have echoed these sentiments, condemning the crime as “inhumane” and promising to address the concerns raised by the public.

Heaven’s tragic death has sparked a wider discussion about the safety of women and girls in Ethiopia. A recent Human Rights Watch report noted a rise in sexual violence linked to the ongoing conflict in the Tigray region.

The family had already been affected by the Tigray conflict; Heaven’s father had been imprisoned and later fled to Tigray. Her mother had trusted Getnet, but this trust was betrayed, resulting in Heaven’s murder. Following the crime, Getnet briefly escaped custody, and Abekyelesh lived in constant fear, moving frequently due to threats.

Abekyelesh now fears that if Getnet’s appeal is successful, justice may not be fully served. She remains deeply affected by her loss, underscoring the broader issue of violence against women and girls in Ethiopia.

Source: Africa News