Mekelle, Tigray – May 29, 2025
Courts in the city of Mekelle have resumed operations today after a ten-day suspension that began on May 19, triggered by serious security concerns raised by judicial staff. The reopening follows the partial fulfillment of security-related demands made by the judges.
As previously reported, the courts were closed after judges cited “existential threats” to their safety while commuting to and from court. The situation escalated after an incident in which the wife of Gebresselassie Belay—former Vice Commissioner of the Tigray Police Commission and current Commander of Army 22 —allegedly disrupted court proceedings and threatened judges, following the conviction of her son and brother for the brutal murder of Zewdu Haftu.
During the closure, all sub-district courts in Mekelle also ceased operations, leaving the city without access to judicial services.
Judges returned to work today after some of their key demands were partially addressed. These included:
1. Deployment of adequately armed security personnel at court premises,
2. Provision of safe transportation to and from work and home, and
3. Authorization for judges to carry self-defense weapons in social and off-duty contexts.
As of this morning, courts in Mekelle are visibly guarded by armed security personnel, which judicial officials say contributed to their decision to resume operations.
