UMD Media, Calgary, May 17, 2025 – The Tigray Judges Association has issued a grave warning about the deteriorating safety conditions faced by judges in the region, calling on the Tigray’s Interim Regional Administration (TIRA) to urgently fulfill its constitutional duty to protect the judiciary and uphold the rule of law.
In a statement released today, the Association emphasized that the judiciary is a co-equal and independent organ of government as enshrined in Article 62(1) of the Tigray Regional Constitution. It further cited Article 64(2)(3), which guarantees the independence of judges from any public or governmental interference, affirming that judicial decisions must be governed solely by law.
Despite these legal protections, the Association noted that “persistent threats, pressures, and direct interference” against judges have continued and worsened. A particularly alarming incident occurred on May 16, 2025 when a criminal court hearing the case of the late Zewdu Haftu was disrupted by the accused and their family members, compromising court proceedings and endangering judges and prosecutors. The situation forced the judges to suspend the hearing and seek refuge to ensure their safety.
“We have repeatedly raised this issue with the government, but the response has been inadequate,” the statement reads. “If these conditions persist, we fear judges will be unable to continue dispensing justice, and the integrity of the court system will collapse.”
The Association demanded that the TIRA and its security apparatus take immediate, concrete measures to ensure the safety of judicial personnel. It warned that failure to do so would compel judges to take unspecified legal actions to protect themselves and preserve judicial independence.
The crisis is compounded by an ongoing leadership vacuum in the judiciary. The President and Vice President of the Tigray Supreme Court are vacant effective April 14, 2025, and no replacements have been officially appointed. As a result, key administrative functions have stalled, deepening institutional uncertainty.
The Tigray Judges Association concluded its statement with a call for the urgent appointment of judicial leadership and for the TIRA to take full responsibility for securing the courts and upholding the constitutional order.
“The judiciary continues to function only because the people of Tigray see the courts as their institution for justice,” the Association noted.
