Justice Minister Pushes Back Against Parliament’s Concerns On Identity-Based Detentions

The Ministry of Justice has defended its positions against criticism from members of parliament who accuse the government of detaining individuals based on their identity and political beliefs.

This week, Justice Minister Hanna Arayaselassie and her deputies were in Parliament to field queries from lawmakers regarding the nation’s justice system. Out of the 248 lawmakers who attended the session, three opposition MPs and three members from the ruling Prosperity Party raised questions.

Abebaw Desalew, a member of the National Movement of Amhara (NAMA), strongly challenged the Minister. He argued that journalists, religious leaders, politicians, and social media activists of Amhara descent have been detained for more than two and a half years.

Abebaw further claimed that the Ministry’s failure to provide witnesses and justification documents has exposed prisoners to gross human rights violations.

“If you cannot provide legal justification against the plaintiff, why don’t you use your power to halt prosecution?” he asked.

Abebaw also questioned why the Ministry makes decisions that appear politically motivated. He pointed to the Federal Prison Commission, noting that despite court orders, its officials and wardens have failed to uphold the rule of law and protect human rights. He pressed the minister to explain what actions her office has taken in response.

In her reply, the Minister stated: “We do not impeach or bring someone to court because of political opinion or identity. However, when politicians, government officials, or civil servants act illegally, we have the responsibility to uphold the rule of law. All defendants whose cases are under review are being handled in accordance with the constitution.”

The Justice Minister, while responding to questions about extended and prolonged pretrial detention related to terrorism and complex criminal activities, stated that such cases require extensive detail and proceedings, which makes the processing time significantly longer.

In the same parliamentary session, another member harshly criticized both the Minister and the House, lamenting the Minister’s failure to respond to his questions regarding human rights abuses, administrative issues, and societal problems linked to the community’s long-standing demand for a special administrative Woreda.

Abirham Amose, a parliamentarian from the Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (EZEMA) party and an ethnic member of the Zeyise people in the Southern Ethiopia region’s Gamo Zone, raised concerns about identity recognition. He argued that the Zeyise should be recognized as a distinct nationality with self-rule, defined administrative boundaries, and fair political representation.

According to Abirham, the Zeyise people have been the target of repeated attacks by regional authorities in Southern Ethiopia and the Gamo Zone due to their constitutional quest for recognition and rights.

Representing Zeyise during the mid-term parliamentary period, Abirham says he was unable to reach his constituency as a result of blockades and intimidation. He said he presented his case to parliament, including to the Speaker of the House, but has received no response. He accused the Speaker of deliberately hiding the case from public attention.

Abirham further claimed that more than 70 people had been killed, and several others had allegedly been kidnapped by government forces as he called for justice.

Similarly, another MP, Genene Gedbu, an assistant professor and member of the opposition Kucha People’s Democratic Party, expressed frustration. He revealed that he had survived an assassination attempt, yet his case has never been brought to justice.

Despite questions from members of Parliament, the Minister failed to provide detailed answers. MPs expressed their dissatisfaction with the lack of response.