Investigations
Outrage In Ethiopia As Man Sentenced To 25 Years For Rape And Murder Of 7-Year-Old Girl
The sentencing of Getnet Baye to 25 years in prison for the brutal rape and murder of 7-year-old Heaven Awot has sparked widespread anger in Ethiopia, with many calling for a harsher punishment. Heaven’s mother, Abekyelesh Adeba, feels “lifeless” after losing her daughter and fears justice may not be served if Getnet’s appeal succeeds.
Heaven was attacked by her mother’s landlord, Getnet, last August in Bahir Dar, Amhara region. Following his sentencing last week, Getnet has announced plans to appeal. The case has been adjourned until October.
Over 200,000 people have signed an online petition calling for a harsher sentence and expressing support for Abekyelesh. The Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA) condemned the 25-year sentence as “very light,” suggesting that life imprisonment or the death penalty would be more appropriate given the nature of the crime and the victim’s age.
Government officials, including Minister for Women and Social Affairs Ergogie Tesfaye, have also criticized the ruling, calling the crime “inhumane” and promising to address the issue.
Read also : Tens Of Thousands March In Kolkata To Protest Rape And Murder Of Trainee Doctor
Heaven’s death has ignited a broader debate about the safety of women and girls in Ethiopia. A recent Human Rights Watch report highlighted an increase in sexual violence linked to the ongoing conflict in the Tigray region. Before her death, Heaven’s family had been affected by the Tigray conflict, with her father imprisoned and then fleeing to Tigray.
Her mother had trusted her landlord, but this trust was betrayed when Heaven was attacked while in the care of her aunt. Her mutilated body was later found outside their home. Abekyelesh’s grief was compounded by Getnet’s escape from custody, following a break-in by local militias. For nearly a month, Getnet evaded capture, threatening Abekyelesh, who was forced to move frequently due to fear.
As a health worker, Abekyelesh knows her daughter’s case is not unique, highlighting the broader issue of violence against women and girls in Ethiopia. “I have lost my Heaven… I am lifeless,” Abekyelesh told the BBC.
In a series of coordinated enforcement actions across the country, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested multiple noncitizens with serious criminal convictions, including violent and sexual offenses, drug trafficking, and crimes against children.
The agency says the individuals arrested had previously been convicted of crimes such as rape, manslaughter, sexual assault of minors, aggravated robbery, and weapons violations, and were residing in the U.S. without legal status.
“ICE remains committed to targeting and removing individuals who pose a threat to public safety,” an agency spokesperson said. “Our officers put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect American communities.”
Among those arrested:
Andrew Da Silva, 30, a citizen of Brazil, was taken into custody in Boston. He is a registered sex offender with convictions for second-degree child molestation and sexual assault in Providence, Rhode Island.
Gerber R. Rosil-Galdamez, 41, from Guatemala, was arrested in Buffalo. He has a rape conviction in Suffolk County, New York.
Aurelio Lopez-Vasquez, 44, a Mexican national, also arrested in Buffalo, has a conviction for sexual conduct against a child in Kings County, New York.
Jesus Flores, 49, of Mexico, was taken into custody in Buffalo. He has a manslaughter conviction from the Bronx.
Juan Humberto Perez, 56, of Mexico, was arrested in Chicago. He has been convicted of aggravated sexual battery and aggravated indecent liberties with a child in Kansas.
Glenda Iraheta, 29, from El Salvador, was arrested in Washington. She has a lengthy criminal record including 21 arrests and multiple convictions for theft, drug possession, and other offenses in Loudoun County, Virginia.
Sergio Soadri Morales, 36, a Mexican national, was arrested in Houston. He has a conviction for indecency with a child in Texas.
Jonathan Omar Calderon, 38, from Guatemala, was taken into custody in Los Angeles with a conviction for lewd acts with a child under 14.
Verner Arnoldo Perez-Ixcoy, 31, a Guatemalan citizen arrested in San Francisco, has ten criminal convictions including for sexual assault and assault with a deadly weapon.
Juan Manuel Parra-Reyes, 29, of Mexico, was arrested in Salt Lake City. He has a conviction for child sexual abuse.
Hai Tuan Pham, 51, from Vietnam, was arrested in Dallas. He has convictions for aggravated robbery and kidnapping with intent to commit sexual assault.
Demir Keco, 37, of Bosnia, was arrested in Boston. His record includes convictions for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and illegal firearm possession.
Selbourne Larkin, 40, a Jamaican citizen, was arrested in Atlanta. He has 12 convictions, including for vehicular homicide and firearm possession by a felon.
Ulises Mendoza-Hernandez, 26, from Mexico, was arrested in Houston and convicted of continuous family violence.
Francisco Noyola-Luna, 37, also from Mexico, was arrested in Denver. He was convicted of fentanyl possession with intent to distribute.
Efrain Rojo-Chavez, 38, a Mexican citizen, was arrested in Houston for assault of a family member.
Jose Torres-Ordonez, 41, of Mexico, was arrested in San Antonio. He has a conviction for assault causing bodily injury in Texas.
Alvaro Gonzalez-Morales, 48, of Mexico, was taken into custody in Philadelphia. He was convicted of resisting arrest in Tennessee.
Navor Juan Cayetano, 37, of Mexico, arrested in San Diego, has convictions for robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.
Alejandro Cruz-Velasquez, 30, from Cuba, was arrested in San Antonio with a conviction for aggravated sexual assault of a child.
ICE stated that all of the individuals arrested are subject to removal proceedings and will remain in custody pending further legal action.
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Investigations
Elon Musk’s $1 Million Giveaway Under DOJ Investigation for Potential Legal Violations
Elon Musk’s recent $1 million giveaway has drawn attention from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), which is reportedly scrutinizing the legality of the contest. This giveaway, widely promoted on social media, promised substantial cash prizes to select followers but has now raised concerns about compliance with federal sweepstakes laws. The DOJ’s focus is on whether the giveaway followed proper disclosures and legal requirements, including fair entry rules and transparency. This legal scrutiny adds a new layer of complexity to Musk’s ventures, as he continues to attract both media and regulatory attention with high-profile initiatives. The case underscores the importance of adhering to regulations, even in promotional activities led by influential public figures. The outcome could impact future online giveaways hosted by prominent personalities.
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Cybersecurity and data protection are critical priorities as Africa advances in digital connectivity and innovation. With rapid growth in internet use and digital transformation across sectors, African countries are increasingly addressing cybersecurity challenges to protect citizens, businesses, and governments from cyber threats. Key initiatives focus on strengthening data protection laws, building cybersecurity infrastructure, and fostering a skilled workforce capable of responding to emerging threats. From securing personal data to safeguarding national infrastructures, African nations are taking proactive steps to ensure a safer, more resilient digital future. Join the conversation on how Africa is advancing in cybersecurity and protecting valuable data assets.
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