The Amhara Region Judges’ Association strongly criticized the persistent detention of judges in the conflict-ridden Amhara region, revealing that more than 35 judges have been “unlawfully detained and later released” within the past year. Currently, eight judges remain in detention, according to a statement issued on October 18, 2024.
The Association raised concerns over the increasing number of judicial detentions, with some instances reportedly resulting in fatalities. They described these arrests as “dangerous” to the independence of the judiciary, emphasizing that this situation compromises judicial integrity and hampers the ability of judges to perform their duties impartially.
This condemnation comes amidst heightened militarized conflict between the Ethiopian government forces and the Fano militias, which has fueled unrest in the Amhara region for over a year.
In a previous report, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) also expressed alarm over the “mass arbitrary detentions” in key cities such as Gondar and Bahir Dar, highlighting that many detainees were held without proper legal proceedings. The Association indicated that the majority of judges’ arrests were connected to their professional duties, denouncing public arrests of serving judges as particularly damaging.
Despite efforts from the regional Supreme Court to address these issues, the Association acknowledged that more robust measures are necessary to prevent future incidents. Citing Article 79 of the FDRE Constitution, the Association reiterated that judicial independence is vital for ensuring a fair legal system and maintaining citizens’ rights.
They urged the regional government to release the remaining detained judges immediately and to put an end to these unwarranted arrests. Furthermore, they called for accountability and corrective actions to be taken against those responsible for such violations while endorsing the Supreme Court’s role in finding a lasting resolution.