By: Muluken Tekleyohanes | Ambassador Media | July 16, 2025
A 63-year-old man identified as Abayneh Alemayehu, who had pleaded for medical treatment while in custody, died today in Kilinto prison under disturbing circumstances, raising serious concerns about detainee rights and treatment in federal detention centers.
Abayneh, originally from Bahir Dar, had traveled to Addis Ababa to visit his brother but was arrested shortly after arrival. He was held for over four months under suspicion of being affiliated with the Fano armed group, according to sources familiar with the case.
Multiple reports confirm that Abayneh was subjected to severe beatings during his interrogation by the Federal Police Commission’s Criminal Investigation Bureau. He reportedly testified about the abuse in court, saying he had suffered serious injuries. Despite this, prison officials allegedly denied him adequate medical care.
Abayneh had initially been granted bail of 40,000 birr by the Federal High Court’s Lideta Terrorism Criminal Bench. However, the Federal Police filed a new case against him, accusing him of conspiring to incite terror in Addis Ababa and Sheger cities. A second court subsequently denied him bail, setting a new bond of 30,000 birr, which was not granted.
