Mekelle/Tel Aviv/Nairobi/Pretoria/London
Rights Group Condemns Arrest and Secret Detention of Tigrayan Activist Berhane Gebregergis
A Tigrayan human rights organization has accused political and military networks linked to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front of unlawfully arresting and secretly detaining political activist and writer Berhane Gebregergis, also known by his pen name ልፍዓተይ ተሰፋ.
In a statement issued this week, the Tigray Advocacy for Human Rights Justice and Equality said Berhane was forcibly taken into custody and held incommunicado without charge or court appearance, describing the case as an enforced disappearance and a serious violation of domestic and international law.
Berhane Gebregergis is a well known and polarizing political commentator in Tigray. He was previously an outspoken supporter of the TPLF and a promoter of narratives aligned with Eritrea’s ruling People’s Front for Democracy and Justice. In recent months, however, he publicly distanced himself from those positions and openly criticized the Eritrean government, describing it as genocidal in multiple media appearances.
According to TAHRJE, this political shift preceded his arrest. The group claims Berhane has not been brought before a court within the legally required timeframe, has been denied access to legal counsel, and that his family has not received official notification of his detention. The organization says neither the Tigray Police Commission nor the Tigray Interim Administration has provided an explanation regarding his arrest or current whereabouts.
The statement further alleges that Berhane is being held as a private detainee under the control of military networks linked to Brigadier General Migbey Haile, a senior Tigray Defense Forces officer operating in the Adi Daero area. TAHRJE cited what it described as credible reports connecting these networks to illegal gold mining activities in the region, arguing that secret detention is being used to silence dissent and enforce political loyalty.
TAHRJE also raised concerns about possible coordination with Eritrean military or intelligence services in Berhane’s arrest. If substantiated, the group said, such cooperation would signal a covert alliance between factions within the TPLF and the Eritrean government, undermining the Pretoria Peace Agreement and regional stability.
The organization described Berhane’s case as part of a broader pattern of politically motivated kidnappings and secret detentions in Tigray. It pointed to the earlier detention of General Guesh Gebre as another example of what it characterized as systematic intimidation of political dissent. TAHRJE warned that when such practices are organized and widespread, they may amount to serious international crimes under international law.
Beyond the immediate case, the group accused TPLF aligned military and political networks of engaging in activities resembling organized criminal operations. These allegations include illegal gold mining, contraband trade, corruption, smuggling of agricultural commodities, and the looting of public infrastructure and humanitarian aid, particularly in conflict affected areas of Amhara and Afar.
TAHRJE called for the immediate and unconditional release of Berhane Gebregergis, full disclosure of his location and legal status, access to legal representation and medical care, and an independent investigation into his arrest and detention. The group also demanded accountability for all individuals involved, including military and political actors.
The organization concluded by warning that secret detention and denial of due process are criminal acts rather than legitimate political tools, adding that those responsible would ultimately face legal and historical accountability.
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