MEKELLE, Ethiopia — A 76-year-old woman identified as Mrs. Akeza has reportedly been arrested following a recent media interview in which she discussed the current situation in Tigray.
According to information circulating from local sources, Mrs. Akeza was taken into custody from her residence in Metego and later transferred to Mekelle. Reports indicate that she is currently being held at a police station near the Debre Damo Bridge area in Enderta Woreda.
The reported arrest comes days after Mrs. Akeza appeared in an interview with Landa Report, where she expressed her views on developments in the region. Authorities have not publicly commented on the reasons for her detention, and no formal charges have been announced at the time of publication.
The case has drawn attention from observers who have raised concerns about freedom of expression and the treatment of elderly detainees. Some have called for transparency regarding the legal basis of the arrest and for due process to be observed.
Critics argue that the arrest reflects an increasingly restrictive political environment. They point to statements made by TPLF Secretariat Head Fetlework Gebreegziabher during the dispute with Getachew Reda’s administration, when she publicly vowed a policy of “zero tolerance” toward those perceived as opposing the party’s political direction.
Concerns have also been raised about a proclamation adopted during a closed-door session of the recently reconvened Tigray Regional Council on June 1. Critics argue that the measure effectively criminalizes public criticism of authorities and political institutions, while some observers contend that its broad and vague provisions amount to the criminalization of independent thought and dissent. Human rights advocates warn that the proclamation could further restrict freedom of expression, discourage citizens from voicing concerns about governance and accountability, and deepen an already shrinking space for public debate and political pluralism in Tigray.
The detention of an elderly veteran fighter who publicly voiced concerns about governance is already generating debate among Tigrayans both inside the region and in the diaspora. Many are questioning whether criticism of public officials and institutions is increasingly being treated as a security matter rather than as part of legitimate political discourse.
As of the time of writing, authorities have not publicly disclosed any formal charges against Akheza Hluf.
