Shukuri Umer: Unlawfully Detained with two-year-old daughter 

Shukuri Umer Furo, a 50-year-old woman from Sirka district in the Arsi zone of Oromia, leads a challenging life. As a wife and mother of three, she relies on farming for her livelihood in her current residence. Unfortunately, Shukuri and her family have been repeatedly targeted by government security forces since 2016.

OLLAA staff spoke to the Shururi’s family regarding her unlawful detention and suffering of her family.  Following the assassination of renowned artist Hachalu Hundessa in June 2020, Shukuri faced intimidation and harassment from the security forces, who believed her son, Abdurahim, to be associated with the OLA (Oromo Liberation Army). Abdurahim was subjected to detainment and abuse in Sarka, prompting him to flee to another part of Oromia after witnessing the death of his friend at the hands of government forces.

Shukuri’s husband, Nura Hamda, also faced mistreatment and detention after their son left the town. Despite having no criminal charges against him, Nura was held in prison for six months, with the authorities demanding his son’s return for his release. After his release on bail, Nura was arrested again by over 40 members of the Oromia special forces, leading him to leave his home, just like his son.

Left behind with her two daughters, Shukuri shouldered the responsibility of caring for them and managing their household. However, the situation worsened when the Oromia special forces, unaware of Nura’s departure, arrested Shukuri instead, subjecting her to about eight months of imprisonment before her eventual release.

Sadly, Shukuri’s troubles persist as she was once again detained on May 6, 2023, along with her two-year-old daughter. The security forces falsely alleged that Shukuri’s son and father are members of the OLA. Consequently, Shukuri’s husband and son were compelled to leave their home and seek refuge in other parts of the country, leaving Shukuri to face further hardships on her own.

International Law

The principle of individual criminal responsibility, both in international law and Ethiopia’s criminal code, asserts that individuals cannot be held accountable for violations of the law if they lack individual culpability. This important norm serves as a safeguard to ensure justice and fairness. Likewise, international human rights law safeguards individuals from arbitrary arrests and detentions, which refer to actions that do not adhere to legally established procedures. Furthermore, the right to property is internationally recognized and protected by various human rights treaties such as the ICCPR, ICESCR, and ACHPR. In the case of Shukuri and her family, the Ethiopian government’s actions constitute a violation of these laws. The unjust treatment endured by Shukuri sheds light on the precarious situation faced by the Oromo people in the Serka districts, highlighting the urgent need for attention and action.