On February 24, 2023, Gemechu Emiru, a 22 year old man, was summarily executed by ENDF soldiers. Gemechu was born and raised in the Deri Kebele, Haru District, West Wallaga Zone of Oromia. He resided at home, having left school in grade 12 due to personal problems. At the time of his death, he was single, working a variety of day jobs to help provide for his family.
Gemechu’s close friend and neighbor spoke with OLLAA’s staff members, relaying the events that took place. On that day, members of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) came to the family home and apprehended Gemechu on the grounds that he had a connection with his brother, an alleged member of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). The soldiers then summarily executed the innocent young man, leaving his dead body on the street in Haru District. Gemechu Emiru’s killing was a clear violation of human rights.
International Law
The right to life is a fundamental human right accorded to every person for the simple reason that they are human. The foundation upon which all other human rights are based, this right to life is protected by a number of international human rights treaties, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; and the African Court of Human and People’s Rights, to which Ethiopia is a party, as well as under the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) Constitution. Gemechu Emiru, although innocent, was killed unlawfully by a security force that has yet to face criminal prosecution, a clear violation of the FDRE constitution as well. OLLAA therefore requests that these forces be charged accordingly and that Ethiopia’s government, complicit in Gemechu’s death, be held accountable.