Rape and Murder of 7-Year-Old Girl – Public Outrage | News Examiner

Kalkidan Yibeltal
August 19, 2024

The heinous rape and murder of a seven-year-old girl has ignited widespread indignation in Ethiopia, with numerous individuals expressing that the punishment meted out to her perpetrator is excessively lenient. Heaven Awot was subjected to sexual violence, mutilation, and ultimately killed by her mother’s landlord, Getnet Baye, last August in the northwestern city of Bahir Dar, located in the Amhara region. Getnet has been sentenced to 25 years in prison, a decision that has drawn significant public scrutiny, particularly following his recent appeal, which has resulted in the case being postponed until October.

Abekyelesh Adeba, the mother of the deceased girl, conveyed to the BBC that the loss of her child has rendered her feeling “lifeless.” The emotional toll of this tragedy has resonated deeply within the community, prompting over 200,000 individuals to sign an online petition advocating for a reassessment of the sentence to better reflect the severity of the crime and to extend support to the grieving mother. This collective outcry underscores the societal demand for justice in the face of such a brutal act.

The Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA), one of the foremost women’s rights organizations in the nation, has publicly stated their belief that the sentence imposed was “very light.” They emphasized that the nature of the murder alone should warrant a life sentence or even the death penalty, highlighting the particularly disturbing and outrageous aspect of such a horrific crime being perpetrated against a child. The case has not only sparked outrage but has also galvanized a movement advocating for stronger legal protections for vulnerable populations, particularly children.

High-ranking government officials have expressed their disapproval regarding recent events, with Minister for Women and Social Affairs Ergogie Tesfaye taking to her Facebook account to describe the crimes against Heaven as “inhumane.” She emphasized that her office would actively engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the case is thoroughly pursued. This incident has ignited intense discussions surrounding the safety of vulnerable women and young girls in Ethiopia.

The horrific nature of the attack has prompted urgent conversations about the alarming rates of conflict-related sexual violence in the country. A report published by Human Rights Watch in May highlighted that such violence has escalated to concerning levels in Ethiopia. The prevailing lack of accountability for those who commit these crimes is perceived by many as a significant factor contributing to their frequency.

The tragic fate of Heaven, who was subjected to rape and murder, is a stark reminder of the broader impact of the two-year conflict in Tigray, where thousands of women and young girls have suffered similar fates. The war not only led to her brutal end but also resulted in the disintegration of her family. Her father, an ethnic Tigrayan, endured months of imprisonment without charges during the height of the conflict, and upon his release, he chose to leave Amhara for Tigray, fearing ongoing hostility and suspicion.

Ms. Abekyelesh, a dedicated nurse, found herself solely responsible for the upbringing of her daughters, Heaven and her younger sister. She maintained a cordial relationship with their landlord, who resided with his family in the same compound, which provided her with a sense of security regarding her children’s safety. The connection she had with the landlord’s wife further contributed to her feeling of comfort in their living situation.

On the day of the tragic incident involving Heaven, Ms. Abekyelesh was at work while her sister’s aunt was entrusted with babysitting duties. According to the aunt, Heaven mentioned her intention to go to the bathroom but did not return after an extended period. Concerned about her prolonged absence, the aunt searched for her but was unable to locate her, leading her to suspect that Getnet had abducted the child.

The grim discovery of Heaven’s mutilated body later that day, found in front of their home with evident signs of strangulation, left Ms. Abekyelesh devastated. She expressed her belief to the BBC that the perpetrator had discarded her daughter’s body at that location. In the wake of this tragedy, she questioned the safety of their homes, pondering the impossibility of constantly monitoring their children while also needing to work to provide for them. In the months that followed, Ms. Abekyelesh faced further challenges, including going into hiding due to fears for her and her surviving daughter’s safety after Getnet managed to escape from custody.

Last August, an individual escaped from the police station in Bahir Dar, where he was being held, following an incursion by local Amhara militias who sought to liberate their comrades detained at that location. This incident occurred amidst ongoing conflicts between the militias and the army, highlighting the precarious security situation in the region. The escape of this individual, known as Getnet, marked the beginning of a troubling period for those affected by his actions.

After his escape, Getnet sought out Heaven’s mother while armed, instilling fear and anxiety in her life. For nearly a month, he evaded re-arrest, during which time Ms. Abekyelesh felt that the security forces displayed a lack of urgency in apprehending him. Despite her repeated pleas for intervention, she faced ongoing threats from Getnet, which ultimately compelled her to change her residence and employment multiple times over the past year in search of safety.

Ms. Abekyelesh expresses a profound sense of betrayal by the justice system, feeling that the 25-year sentence handed to Getnet was insufficient for the gravity of his actions. Her primary concern now revolves around the possibility of him successfully appealing his sentence and securing an early release. In her poignant reflection, she shares, “I have lost my Heaven… I am lifeless,” while also acknowledging the broader issue of sexual violence, stating, “I know there are so many Heavens,” as she draws attention to the plight of numerous other women and girls who have suffered similar fates.