The case of Heaven Awot, a seven-year-old girl brutally raped and murdered last August, has triggered widespread outrage across Ethiopia. The sentencing of her attacker, Getnet Baye, to merely 25 years in prison is perceived as grossly inadequate for such heinous crimes.
Heaven, attacked by her landlord, was discovered mangled and lifeless outside her home, inciting immediate public condemnation. Her mother, Abekyelesh Adeba, expressed her despair, stating it has left her feeling "lifeless".
Reports indicate over 200,000 individuals have signed petitions demanding justice and advocating for harsher penalties reflective of the crime's severity. The Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association condemned the sentence, claiming it fails to convey the gravity of the situation.
Minister for Women and Social Affairs, Ergogie Tesfaye, joined the chorus of criticism, declaring the crime committed against Heaven as "inhumane", and pledged to work with stakeholders to address the issue at hand. This incident has sparked broader discussions about the increasing safety risks facing women and children in Ethiopia.
A Human Rights Watch report highlighted alarming levels of sexual violence linked to Ethiopia's Tigray conflict, which has heightened fears for women and girls. Before her tragic fate, Heaven's family had already been torn apart due to the war, which saw her father imprisoned and later flee from perceived threats.
Heaven's mother, Abekyelesh, trusted Getnet, deeply familiar with her family dynamics; her trust was tragically misplaced. While working at the time of the assault, Heaven's aunt was caring for her when she reported her niece went to the bathroom but did not return.
When her aunt searched for her, it was too late, with later reports confirming Heaven's body found outside their home. Abekyelesh disclosed her belief the body was left there by the attacker, deepening her sense of loss.
“If our children can't be safe in our homes, where else can we go?” she implored rhetorically. It poses the question, should parents halt their work to always monitor their children for safety?
Following the tragic incident, Abekyelesh faced additional hurdles when Getnet escaped from custody, causing her to fear for her life and the safety of her remaining daughter. He was at large for almost a month before authorities managed to rearrest him.
Abekyelesh felt deeply abandoned by the justice system, fearing for her and her family’s safety as she was repeatedly forced to relocate to escape Getnet's threats. She fears the current justice process may fail her once again if Getnet's appeal succeeds.
"I have lost my Heaven... I am lifeless," she said, capturing her enduring pain. She noted her experience is not solitary, emphasizing the number of women and girls facing similar fates across Ethiopia.
The murder of Heaven Awot compels society to confront the grim reality of societal failures related to the safety and protection of women and children. It's becoming increasingly evident this is not simply about one incident, but rather systemic issues requiring attention and immediate action.
