Mekelle, Tigray – May 20, 2025
Judicial services in Mekelle, the capital of Tigray, have been suspended indefinitely following escalating security concerns raised by judges and prosecutors.
According to officials, all seven courts in the Mekelle zone ceased operations after a violent incident during a court session last week involving the murder case of Zewdu Haftu. Witnesses report that Yared Gebreslassie—son of Colonel Gebreslassie Belay, commander of Army Unit 22—and his mother threatened members of the judiciary during the hearing.
In response, the Office of the President of the Tigray Interim Administration issued a statement today condemning the incident as “unacceptable” and pledged to hold those responsible accountable. The statement emphasized the administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of judicial staff and restoring the rule of law.
Concerns over growing interference in the justice system by both civilian and military actors have also been mounting. Legal professionals say such interference has significantly hindered the proper functioning of law enforcement and judicial institutions across the region.
The temporary suspension is expected to delay numerous pending cases, raising alarm among legal advocates and rights groups who stress the importance of an independent and secure justice system in Tigray’s fragile post-war recovery.
