Addis Ababa, November 8 (WIC) – The third criminal bench of the Federal High Court heard four of the prosecution’s witnesses on Aberash Hailay’s case, a flight attendant at Ethiopian Airlines who experienced multiple stabs in her eyes causing her to lose sight.
Prosecutors have filed charges against her former husband Fisseha Taddesse, 43, who turned himself to police on the night of September 15, 2011 after allegedly committing the act.
The judge read out the prosecution’s amended charge with gruesome details in the courtroom while the packed full of courtroom attendants listened in horror.
Prosecutors alleged that the defendant threatened Aberash with a starter pistol and told her to sit down. He allegedly started beating her repeatedly with his foot and pistol causing injuries to her head, hands and back. He then took out a sharp object from his pocket and stabbed and pocked out her eyes, prosecutors alleged in their charge.
Fisseha, who is charged for attempted murder and unlawful possession of arms, pleaded not guilty saying that he has no recollection of what has happened in his third court appearance on November 7.
The court moved to hearing prosecution’s witnesses which included two guards of the Gerji condominium site where the victim resides, the victim’s uncle and a deputy sergeant.
The witnesses gave their testimony often challenged by two defense lawyers of Fisseha.
Aberash is named as the first witness by prosecutors and was expected to appear in court. However prosecutors told the court that the victim, who is currently in Bangkok, Thailand receiving medical treatment, can only appear before court on November 14 after consultation with her doctors.
The case is now adjourned to November 14 to hear the testimony of the victim, the prosecution’s final witness.
Aberash’s case has sparked a huge public outcry. The case has also reignited campaigns to stop violence against women. Online campaigns including “Ahun BeAyne Meta!!!” and a facebook page titled “Justice for Aberash” are trying to draw attention to issues of violence against women.