Dr. Mahlet Guush Gebrewold and Eight Medical Professionals Appear in Court on Charges Related to Ongoing Health Sector Strike

Addis Ababa, 21 May 2025 — Dr. Mahlet Guush Gebrewold appeared before the court today alongside eight other healthcare professionals following charges brought by the Federal Police. Authorities have accused the group of bearing collective responsibility for deaths that allegedly occurred due to their absence from duty—an apparent reference to the ongoing strike action by medical personnel across the country.

During the hearing, Dr. Mahlet’s legal representative contested the charge, stating that she has not been actively employed in the health sector for the past two years. This claim, if substantiated, raises questions about the basis of the collective responsibility argument presented by the prosecution.

In response to the legal challenge, the police introduced a separate allegation, claiming that Dr. Mahlet had collaborated with “foreign-based anti-peace forces” (በውጭ ሃገራት ሆነው ከሚንቀሳቀሱ ፀረ ሰላም ሃይሎች ጋር በመተባበር). Details or evidence supporting this claim were not made public during the session.

The court granted the police a twelve-day investigation period to gather further evidence while Dr. Mahlet remains in custody. This investigative extension is standard under Ethiopia’s criminal procedure when police request more time to substantiate allegations.

Dr. Mahlet’s family issued a statement indicating that she has no known affiliation with any political organization and that she has long been active in nonviolent community work. They requested that her case not be politicized or used for any broader agenda beyond the legal proceedings at hand.

This case comes at a time when tensions between the healthcare workforce and government institutions remain high, largely due to ongoing demands for improved pay and working conditions. The arrest of medical professionals, including individuals not currently active in clinical roles, has sparked public debate regarding the scope and handling of recent investigations.

The court is expected to reconvene after the twelve-day period to review the police findings and determine next steps in the legal process.